Tragic Plane Crash Claims Life of Indian Politician Ajit Pawar

Sun Feb 01 2026 10:52:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tragically dies in a plane crash along with four others, prompting tributes from leaders and citizens alike.

Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, India, was killed in a plane crash in Baramati, leading to national mourning. The aircraft met with an accident while attempting to land amidst poor visibility. Tributes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders highlight Pawar's significant contributions to Maharashtra's political landscape, raising concerns over the political vacuum his death creates.

Tragic Plane Crash Claims Life of Indian Politician Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tragically died in a plane crash along with four others on January 28, 2026, while travelling to his constituency in Baramati for public meetings related to local elections.

The crash occurred during landing at Baramati airport amid poor visibility conditions. Reports indicate that the aircraft, a Bombardier Learjet 45, experienced difficulties in communication with Air Traffic Control just before descending into flames.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling Pawar's passing shocking and saddening and praised his dedicated service to the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis labelled the loss as immeasurable and announced three days of mourning in Maharashtra.

Pawar, 66, was a prominent figure in Maharashtra's politics and had been part of the Nationalist Congress Party established by his uncle, Sharad Pawar. Over his extensive career, he held various ministerial roles and was known for his influence in significant coalitions, including partnerships with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

His departure from the political scene leaves a substantial void, raising concerns about the future dynamics of Maharashtra's governance. The state mourns not just a leader, but a politician known for his grassroots connections and spirited public engagement.