Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday morning after a chartered aircraft crashed while attempting an emergency landing near Baramati Airport. The tragic incident occurred around 8:40 am, resulting in the death of all five people on board, including Pawar, two pilots, and two members of his security staff.
According to officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati when it encountered difficulties during its descent. Initial findings suggest that poor visibility and adverse weather conditions may have played a role, though the exact cause will be determined after a detailed investigation.
The aircraft involved in the crash was identified as a Bombardier Learjet 45, operated by Delhi-based charter company VSR Aviation. Eyewitnesses reported that the jet appeared unstable while approaching the runway and crashed near the threshold of Runway 11, immediately bursting into flames. Visuals from the site showed the aircraft completely destroyed, with debris scattered across the area and thick smoke rising from the crash zone.
The DGCA confirmed that five people were on board, all of whom lost their lives. The pilots were identified as Sumit Kapoor and Sambhavi Pathak, while the security personnel included Pawar’s personal security officer and an attendant. Emergency services rushed to the site, but the intense fire left little scope for rescue.
Ajit Pawar was on his way to address multiple public meetings in Baramati ahead of the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections, a region considered his political stronghold. His sudden death has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra’s political landscape and beyond, with leaders from all major parties expressing grief and condolences.
Ajit Pawar Life Journey
Born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara in Ahmednagar district, Ajit Pawar was one of Maharashtra’s most influential and resilient political figures. Nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, he carved out an independent political identity through decades of electoral success and strategic political manoeuvres. Popularly known as ‘Ajit Dada’, he enjoyed significant support among farmers, cooperative institutions, and grassroots workers, particularly in western Maharashtra.
Pawar began his political journey at a young age and went on to become an eight-time MLA from Baramati. He also served in multiple key ministerial portfolios, including irrigation, finance, rural development, and energy. Known for his administrative grip and political adaptability, Pawar held the post of Deputy Chief Minister multiple times under different political alignments.
A defining moment in his career came in 2023, when he led a split in the NCP and joined the BJP–Shiv Sena-led NDA alliance, reshaping Maharashtra’s political equations. He continued as Deputy Chief Minister following the Mahayuti alliance’s victory in the 2024 Assembly elections, reinforcing his reputation as a leader who was rarely out of power.
Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP, and their two sons. His passing marks the end of an era in Maharashtra politics, with many describing him as a leader who combined political authority with deep regional influence.
The state government has announced that a full aviation and safety probe will be conducted, and further details are expected once the investigation progresses. Maharashtra mourns the loss of a towering political personality whose impact on the state’s governance and political dynamics will be felt for years to come.
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