Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Tragic Baramati Plane Crash

In a shocking incident that has rocked Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with four other individuals, perished in a plane crash near Baramati in Pune district on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The tragic accident occurred as Pawar was en route to address public meetings ahead of the upcoming rural local body polls. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has announced a probe into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash, which has claimed the lives of all five people on board, including two crew members.

Tragedy Strikes En Route to Campaign Rallies

The ill-fated Learjet aircraft, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, departed from Mumbai at 8:10 AM, carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four other occupants. Pawar was scheduled to attend four rallies across Pune district to campaign for the February 5 zilla parishad elections. However, the flight met with disaster near Baramati airport. Eyewitness accounts suggest the plane exhibited instability in the air before ultimately crashing and exploding, a detail reported by The Federal.

Timeline of the Fatal Flight

The sequence of events leading to the crash has been partially pieced together. According to data from Flight Radar, the Learjet disappeared from radar at approximately 8:45 AM. Just five minutes later, at 8:50 AM, the aircraft crashed, as confirmed by police officials. The sudden loss of contact and the subsequent crash underscore the swift and catastrophic nature of the incident. The remains of the plane can be seen near the Baramati site, a grim testament to the tragedy.

AAIB Launches Comprehensive Investigation

In the wake of the devastating incident, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a thorough probe. An official confirmed that an AAIB team will visit the crash site to meticulously investigate the accident. Such investigations typically involve examining the wreckage, flight recorders (if recovered), air traffic control communications, maintenance records, and weather conditions, among other factors, to determine the cause of the crash. The findings of this investigation will be crucial in understanding what led to the Learjet’s instability and subsequent explosion, as reported by The Federal.

Prominent Political Figure and His Legacy

Ajit Pawar, a significant leader in Maharashtra politics, served as the state's Deputy Chief Minister. He was a prominent figure, known for his administrative acumen and deep roots in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He was the nephew of Rajya Sabha MP and former Maharashtra CM Sharad Pawar, a towering figure in Indian politics. Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra, who is a Rajya Sabha MP, and his two sons, Parth and Jay. His untimely death leaves a considerable void in the political landscape of Maharashtra, especially given his active role in the ongoing election campaigns. The loss is keenly felt across political spectrums, and condolences have begun pouring in from leaders nationwide, as reported by The Federal.

Impact on Upcoming Rural Local Body Polls

The tragedy occurs just days before the February 5 zilla parishad elections, for which Pawar was actively campaigning. His sudden demise is expected to have a significant impact on these crucial rural local body polls, potentially altering political dynamics and campaign strategies in Pune district and beyond. His presence at the rallies was a key part of the political efforts to galvanize support for his party, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt as the elections draw closer.