Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, one of India’s most influential state leaders, died along with four others when the private Learjet 45 aircraft he was traveling in crashed near Baramati Airport on the morning of January 28, 2026, while attempting to land. This sudden loss reverberated across India’s political landscape, shocked citizens, and triggered an immediate investigation into what caused the aviation disaster. Why this matters now is because the death of a sitting senior leader at a critical election period raises questions about aviation safety, political succession, and the future direction of Maharashtra politics.
Eyewitnesses described the aircraft bursting into flames and exploding on impact, leaving no survivors, as all five on board perished — Ajit Pawar, two crew members, and two aides. Authorities, including India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, have launched a detailed probe to determine whether poor visibility, technical issues, or runway conditions contributed to the crash.
The Crash: What We Know So Far
In the early hours of January 28, the Learjet 45, operated by VSR Aviation, departed from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport en route to Baramati in Maharashtra’s Pune district. As it attempted its second landing at Baramati Airport’s runway, it veered off course, hit the ground, and was engulfed in intense fire upon impact. Rescue teams rushed to the site but found no survivors.
According to aviation data, the aircraft involved was a 16-year-old Learjet 45XR registered VT-SSK — an aircraft type known for business charter flights. The flight carried five people: Pawar, two pilots, and two members of his team. The DGCA reported that none on board survived, and all were confirmed dead at the scene.
Initial reports suggest that weather conditions — including low visibility — could have severely hampered the landing, as Baramati airport lacks an advanced air traffic control tower and instead relies on limited traffic advisories. It remains under investigation whether local weather or mechanical issues triggered the fatal runway excursion.
Who Was Ajit Pawar? His Political Legacy
Ajit Anantrao Pawar, aged 66 at his death, was one of India’s most seasoned politicians. A long-time representative of the Baramati Assembly constituency, he shaped Maharashtra politics for over three decades and was known as a powerful leader with deep roots in the state’s agricultural, cooperative, and political sectors.
Pawar was widely respected for his administrative experience and held multiple portfolios across various state governments. Most recently, he served as Deputy Chief Minister alongside Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, representing a faction that aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after splitting from the Nationalist Congress Party in 2023. His leadership role extended beyond governance to influence rural development, irrigation, and economic policy across Maharashtra.
His death has left a political void in the state, especially as Maharashtra prepares for the upcoming local and regional elections. Political analysts say the loss of a leader with such a broad coalition appeal could reshape election outcomes and party strategies across the region.
National and Local Reactions: Grief and Tributes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Pawar’s death as “shocking and saddening” in an emotional statement shared on social media. Leaders across the political spectrum, including those from opposition parties, have expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to Pawar’s decades of public service.
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra announced three days of state mourning, and government offices suspended routine functions as a mark of respect. Citizens and political peers alike remembered Pawar as a leader committed to empowering rural communities and advancing social welfare across Maharashtra.
Aviation Safety and the Ongoing Investigation
In the aftermath of the crash, officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India have begun examining the wreckage to identify the root cause of the disaster — whether it was due to mechanical failure, pilot error, weather interference, or a combination of factors.
Experts have noted that runway safety, visibility conditions, and emergency preparedness at smaller regional airports — like Baramati — could become topics of national aviation review if the investigation points to systemic gaps. International aviation standards may also be referenced as part of the inquiry.
The Impact on Maharashtra and India
The loss of Ajit Pawar is not just a personal tragedy but also a momentous political event for Maharashtra, India’s most populous state and one of its most economically significant. As Deputy Chief Minister, Pawar was a bridge between rival political factions and played a strategic role in stabilizing coalition governance.
Political observers suggest the crash could accelerate leadership transitions within his party and invite renewed debate over succession planning, electoral strategy, and administrative continuity. Beyond politics, the aviation accident raises questions about infrastructure readiness at smaller airports and the need for upgraded emergency response systems across India.
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