Who Was Ajit Pawar, the Indian Politician Killed in a Plane Crash?
On 28 January 2026, Ajit Anantrao Pawar, a senior Indian politician and the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, died tragically in a plane crash near Baramati in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. The accident also claimed the lives of four others on board.
A Long Political Career
Ajit Pawar, 66 years old at the time of his death, was one of Maharashtra’s most influential and long-serving leaders. Born into a prominent political family, he rose through the ranks of regional politics over several decades. Pawar was the nephew of Sharad Pawar, the veteran politician and founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), one of the key regional parties in western India.
Pawar’s political career began in local public life and eventually expanded to state-level influence. He served multiple terms as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, making him one of the longest-serving holders of that office. Over the years, he worked under various state governments, reflecting his ability to adapt and remain relevant in the shifting landscape of Maharashtra politics.
Role in Maharashtra Politics
As Deputy Chief Minister, Pawar held significant responsibilities in Maharashtra, India’s wealthiest state by economy, handling portfolios that included crucial areas of governance and administration. His leadership was central to negotiations and alliances between political parties at the state level.
In 2023, Ajit Pawar led a breakaway faction of the NCP that joined the ruling coalition with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other partners in the state government. This move marked a major shift from the NCP’s historical position as an opposition party at times, and stirred political debate across Maharashtra and at the national level.
The Crash and Its Circumstances
On the morning of January 28, 2026, Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to his hometown Baramati to participate in election-related events and public meetings ahead of local polls. He was aboard a private chartered Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK), operated by VSR Aviation. The jet was attempting to land at Baramati Airport when it crash-landed and burst into flames during the final approach.
According to official reports, the plane tried to land under conditions that may have involved reduced visibility and possibly made more than one approach attempt before the crash. The aircraft veered off the runway and was destroyed on impact, killing Pawar and the four others aboard—including his personal security officer, an assistant, and two crew members.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator, confirmed that there were no survivors. Investigations into the exact causes of the crash are ongoing, with aviation authorities working to determine if weather, visibility, equipment issues, or procedural factors contributed to the tragedy.
Reactions and Mourning
News of Ajit Pawar’s death triggered shock and grief across the political spectrum in India. National leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other state officials, expressed condolences and praised his public service. Maharashtra’s government declared three days of mourning, during which many schools and government offices were closed, and the state flag was flown at half-mast as a sign of respect.
Prominent figures outside politics also commented on his passing. Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, among others, shared sentiments of sorrow and acknowledged Pawar’s contributions to the people of Maharashtra.
Some political leaders called for thorough investigations into the crash to ensure full transparency and accountability, reflecting concerns about safety procedures and the conditions under which the aircraft attempted to land.
Legacy and Impact
Ajit Pawar’s sudden death leaves a significant gap in Maharashtra’s political leadership. As a key strategist, administrator, and negotiator, he influenced policymaking and governance in India’s most industrialised state. His work touched on economic development, cooperative movements, and regional governance.
Beyond his official roles, Pawar was known for his deep connections with his home constituency of Baramati, where he maintained strong grassroots support throughout his career. His passing has sparked discussions about political succession and the future direction of his faction of the NCP.
Conclusion
The death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash is a tragic moment for Maharashtra and Indian politics. It marks the end of the career of a leader who played a central role in regional governance, coalition building, and public service. As investigations continue, his legacy in state politics and the impact of his loss on future political dynamics will remain topics of attention in India’s public discourse.
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