The state of Maharashtra is in deep mourning today following the tragic passing of its Deputy Chief Minister. In a heartbreaking turn of events on Wednesday morning, the towering NCP leader Ajit Pawar lost his life in a devastating plane crash near Baramati, Maharashtra. The veteran leader was traveling from Mumbai to his hometown to attend public meetings for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. The chartered Learjet 45 which carried five people in total had reportedly struggled during its descent and crashed at the threshold of the runway before bursting into flames.
Local authorities and the DGCA confirmed that there were no survivors. Alongside the Deputy CM, the crash claimed the lives of two security staff members and two crew members. Witnesses at the scene described a terrifying sight, noting that the aircraft appeared unstable before hitting the ground and exploding. By the time emergency teams reached the location, the fire had already reduced much of the plane to ashes which is said to be burst into two parts.
Tributes have started pouring in from every corner of the country. Leaders from different political backgrounds have put aside their differences to remember a man known for his administrative grit and dedication to the people. And his cousin Supriya Sule alongwith other family members have immediately rushed to Pune as soon as the news broke, leaving the Nationalist Congress Party and the state’s political ground in a state of total shock.
Despite the fierce political battles he had often fought, his colleagues poured in condolences and remember him as a bold and committed public servant, whose loss leaves a significant void in the state’s leadership, especially in matters of finance and regional development where he was considered a master of his craft.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to offer condolences to “a hardworking personality”. A tweet on X read, “Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”
Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and… pic.twitter.com/mdgwwGzw4R
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 28, 2026
Also added, “Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief.”
Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash. Praying for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 28, 2026
The sudden departure of such a towering figure marks the end of an influential era in Maharashtra politics. While investigations into the crash continue, the state remains united in grief, remembering a leader who was as bold in his actions as he was dedicated to his people.
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