Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: Maharashtra Deputy CM Dies in Baramati Tragedy
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash at Baramati airport on January 28, 2026. The incident has shaken the state, sparking nationwide searches and questions about the future of Maharashtra politics. Readers are searching for clarity on whether Ajit Pawar is alive, what exactly happened, and what comes next.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: What Exactly Happened in Baramati?
- Date & Time: January 28, 2026, morning hours.
- Location: Baramati airport, Pune district, Maharashtra.
- Aircraft: Learjet 45, operated by Delhi-based charter company VSR Aviation.
- Casualties: Ajit Pawar and five others on board died in the crash.
- Cause: The plane reportedly caught fire during landing. DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) confirmed the crash and ordered a probe.
- Passengers: Alongside Ajit Pawar, victims included his security staff, pilots Sumit Kapur and Shambhavi Pathak, and aide Pinki Jadhav.
Who Was Ajit Pawar?
- Age: 66 years (born July 22, 1959).
- Position: Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
- Family: Nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar. His son Parth Pawar and daughter Pinky Pawar are known in public life.
- Political Career: Represented Baramati constituency, held multiple ministerial roles, and was seen as a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s chair.
Why Ajit Pawar's Plane Crash Matters
- Political Impact: Maharashtra’s coalition government faces uncertainty. Ajit Pawar was a key power broker.
- Local Impact: Baramati, his stronghold, loses its most influential leader.
- National Impact: His death reshapes NCP’s future and could alter alliances with Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis.
- Safety Concerns: Raises questions about charter flight safety in India.
Hidden Details Most Missed
| Detail | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Aircraft type: Learjet 45 | Known for corporate travel, but older models raise safety concerns. |
| Operator: VSR Aviation | Private charter firm now under DGCA scrutiny. |
| Election Context | Pawar was campaigning for Zilla Parishad elections (Feb 5, 2026). His absence changes local dynamics. |
| Family Succession | Eyes now on Parth Pawar and Supriya Sule for leadership roles. |
Official Reactions
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Called Pawar a “leader of the people” and expressed grief.
- President of India: Offered condolences, calling it a “national loss.”
- Sharad Pawar: Deeply shaken, said “Baramati has lost its son.”
- DGCA & AAIB: Confirmed investigation into technical failure and pilot reports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is Ajit Pawar dead or alive?
👉 Sadly, Ajit Pawar died in the Baramati plane crash on
January 28, 2026.
Q2. Which plane was Ajit Pawar travelling in?
👉 A Learjet 45, operated by VSR Aviation.
Q3. Who is Ajit Pawar related to?
👉 He was the nephew of Sharad Pawar, NCP founder.
Q4. What happens to NCP now?
👉 Leadership may shift to Supriya Sule or
Parth Pawar, but internal debates are expected.
Q5. Was this crash preventable?
👉 DGCA has ordered a probe; early reports suggest a technical failure during
landing.
Conclusion: What Readers Should Take Away
Ajit Pawar’s sudden death in the Baramati plane crash is not just a tragic accident—it is a turning point for Maharashtra politics. While investigations will reveal the technical causes, the immediate impact is on governance, party leadership, and upcoming elections.
For readers, the key takeaway is clarity: Ajit Pawar is confirmed dead, the crash involved a Learjet 45, and the future of NCP and Maharashtra’s coalition government is now uncertain.
This story will continue to evolve as DGCA and AAIB release findings. Stay tuned for verified updates, not rumours.
