Death of Ajith Pawar
Tragic Incident: Plane Crash Claims Life of Ajit Pawar
On January 28, 2026, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a tragic aircraft accident when the chartered jet he was travelling in crashed as it attempted to land at Baramati Airport in Pune district, his political home turf. The Learjet 45XR, operated by a Delhi-based charter company, went down during its second landing approach, burst into flames on impact, and left no survivors among the five people on board, including Pawar and four others. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed his death and initiated an investigation into the causes of the crash.
Pawar was flying from Mumbai, where he had attended a long cabinet meeting the previous day, to Baramati to campaign for upcoming Zilla Parishad elections — local council elections that are traditionally significant in rural Maharashtra politics. The aircraft, a mid-size business jet, reportedly struggled with poor visibility near the runway before the crash occurred.
A Political Titan: Ajit Pawar’s Legacy
Ajit Pawar, 66, was one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures. As the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of the state, he played a central role in multiple governments and was widely known across urban and rural constituencies. Born into the political Pawar family — nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar — he carved out his own base, particularly in western Maharashtra’s sugar belt, where his influence stretched deep into cooperative institutions and grassroots networks.
Over decades, Pawar was seen as a pragmatic politician who could navigate shifting alliances and manage the complex dynamics of Maharashtra’s regional politics. His leadership extended beyond party lines at times, contributing to coalition governments and administrative decisions that shaped the state’s development trajectory.
Immediate Reactions: Mourning and Official Tributes
The news of Pawar’s sudden death sent shockwaves through Maharashtra and beyond. The state government declared three days of official mourning, during which flags flew at half-mast and public events were cancelled as a mark of respect. Government offices, schools, and institutions across the state remained closed to honour his memory.
Senior leaders from across the political spectrum expressed deep sorrow. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the loss “irreparable,” while Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the news as “very shocking and saddening,” noting Pawar’s dedication to public service.
Leaders from outside Maharashtra also paid their respects. The Kerala Legislative Assembly observed moments of silence in his memory, with local leaders describing him as a brotherly figure, underlining his stature beyond state boundaries.
The Funeral: A Mass Farewell in Baramati
On January 29, Pawar was laid to rest with full state honours in Baramati, his political stronghold and birthplace of his career. Thousands of supporters gathered at the Vidya Pratisthan ground, chanting slogans like “Ajit Dada Amar rahe” (“Long live Ajit Dada”), reflecting the affection and respect he commanded among his base.
Top dignitaries — including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and several senior BJP leaders — attended the funeral and paid respects to the Pawar family. His sons, Parth and Jay Pawar, performed the final rites amid an emotional atmosphere, bringing together political allies and rivals in mourning.
Political Aftermath: Sympathy Wave and Realignment
Pawar’s death has already begun reshaping Maharashtra’s political landscape. In the Zilla Parishad elections held after his passing, his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) emerged as the second-largest party across multiple district councils, riding a strong sympathy wave among voters. This performance signalled that Pawar’s influence continued to resonate with the electorate even after his demise.
However, his death also raises questions about the future unity and direction of his party, particularly given the longstanding splits within the NCP and alliances with other major parties like the BJP. Political observers are watching closely whether his absence will lead to realignments or tensions within Maharashtra’s coalition politics, especially as local leaders vie to fill the vacuum left by his leadership.
Debunking Conspiracy Theories and Calls for Calm
Not all reactions to Pawar’s death were unanimous. While some political figures, such as Sharad Pawar, dismissed conspiracy theories and urged people not to politicise the accident, others — including opposition leaders — called for deeper investigations, alleging possible foul play or mismanagement of aviation protocols. Sharad Pawar stressed it was a tragic accident and appealed for unity and respect amid grief.
Conclusion: A Void in Maharashtra Politics
Ajit Pawar’s sudden and tragic death in a plane crash has left Maharashtra in mourning and its political arena in transition. A towering figure who was deeply embedded in the state’s governance and grassroots politics, his loss is not only a personal tragedy for his family and supporters but also a turning point for regional power dynamics. As investigations continue into the causes of the crash, Maharashtra’s political future hinges on how his legacy is upheld and how emerging leaders step into the space he once occupied
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