Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Baramati Plane Crash; Nation Mourns Loss

Baramati, Jan 2026 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Anantrao Pawar tragically lost his life on Wednesday morning when the aircraft he was travelling in crashed while attempting an emergency landing at Baramati airport in Pune district. The incident occurred as Pawar was en route to address public meetings ahead of the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.

Initial reports indicate that the chartered Learjet 45, operating from Mumbai, veered off the runway and broke apart on impact, with thick smoke and debris visible at the crash site. Authorities have confirmed that Pawar, along with several others on board, including crew members and possibly security personnel, were killed. Early estimates suggest five to six fatalities, though exact numbers are being verified by officials. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by aviation authorities.

Born in 1959, Ajit Pawar was a towering figure in Maharashtra politics and a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party. Over decades of service, he held multiple terms as a legislator and managed key portfolios, including Finance and Planning, earning acclaim as an architect of the state’s budgetary and developmental policies. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra and the nation.

Rescue and emergency teams were immediately deployed to the scene. Local hospitals assisted in treatment and identification efforts. The state government has assured that official casualty figures and further details from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) investigation will be released promptly.

Leaders and citizens across India have expressed profound grief, praising Pawar for his long-standing commitment to public service and his pivotal role in Maharashtra’s governance.

Tribute – Team Maverick:
Ajit Pawar’s dedication, vision, and leadership left an indelible mark on Maharashtra’s political and developmental landscape. His contributions to public service, governance, and policymaking will be remembered with respect and admiration. Team Maverick expresses heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and the people of Maharashtra during this difficult time.

The loss of Ajit Pawar is not just a personal tragedy but a significant blow to the state and its people, whose lives he shaped through decades of committed public service.