Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed on Wednesday morning after a chartered aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district, triggering widespread grief and a three-day state mourning. The crash occurred around 8.48 am when the Mumbai–Baramati charter plane crash-landed near the runway threshold. All five people on board were killed, including Pawar, his personal security officer, a flight attendant and two pilots. Pawar, 66, was travelling to Baramati to campaign for the Zilla Panchayat elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing Pawar as a leader who made “huge contributions” to Maharashtra and the country. Addressing an NCC rally at Cariappa Ground in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said the accident had “snatched away” a proactive and dedicated public servant. He later spoke to veteran politician Sharad Pawar to convey his condolences and, in posts on X, praised Ajit Pawar’s grassroots connect, administrative acumen and commitment to the poor.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed Pawar’s death a “personal loss” and announced a state holiday and three days of mourning. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the state, government entertainment programmes will be cancelled, and state government offices will remain closed on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Fadnavis said the decision on the last rites was taken in consultation with the family and described Pawar as a hardworking and resilient leader whose loss had left a void in Maharashtra’s leadership.
Pawar’s last rites will be conducted with full state honours on Thursday at 11 am. His mortal remains have been kept at Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati for the public to pay their last respects. Chief Minister Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Governor Acharya Devvrat, Sharad Pawar and several senior leaders visited Baramati to pay homage. Family members, including Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar and cousin Supriya Sule, were seen grieving as condolences poured in.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said a transparent and accountable investigation would be conducted into the crash. Preliminary information suggested poor visibility at the time of landing. According to the minister, air traffic control had sought confirmation from the pilot about runway visibility, following which the aircraft attempted a second approach before the accident occurred. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau have dispatched probe teams, which are examining flight data, crew records, ATC communications and maintenance documents of the aircraft operator.
Political leaders across party lines expressed shock and sorrow. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray remembered Pawar as a steadfast leader and an excellent colleague, saying his departure had created a leadership vacuum. Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh, Ramesh Chennithala and others called for a thorough investigation, while leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Amit Shah, Akhilesh Yadav and several Union ministers paid tributes. Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in non-consecutive terms, having held the post six times under various governments. Known popularly as “Dada”, he was recognised for his straightforward style and firm grip on administration and finance. He is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar and sons Jay and Parth Pawar.
