The tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati has left the nation in shock. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann expressed deep condolences, calling it an “irreparable loss” for India.
National Tragedy: Ajit Pawar Dies in Baramati Plane Crash
In a heart-wrenching incident on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the political landscape of India was shaken by the sudden passing of Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The veteran leader was killed when his chartered Learjet 45 aircraft crash-landed at the runway threshold in Baramati at approximately 8.45 am.
The Fatal Accident in Baramati
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation reported that the flight, operated by VSR Ventures, took off from Mumbai at 8.10 am. Due to poor visibility, the aircraft (registration VT-SSK) failed its first landing attempt. During the second approach, it struck the ground and burst into flames. Along with Ajit Pawar, four others including a PSO, an attendant, and two crew members—Pilot Sumit Kapoor and Co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak—lost their lives instantly.
Bhagwant Mann Reacts with Profound Grief
Speaking to reporters in Ahmedabad, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann voiced the collective pain of the nation. “This is a great loss not only for Maharashtra but for the entire country,” Mann stated. He extended his sympathies to the families of all victims, highlighting that the void left by Ajit Pawar’s administrative prowess would be impossible to fill.
State Mourning and Legacy of ‘Ajit Dada’
Following the confirmation of the tragedy, the state declared three days of mourning, during which flags will fly at half-staff, government offices and schools will remain shut, and public events will be cancelled. Ajit Pawar was a titan of state politics, serving as the longest-serving Deputy CM for a record six terms. His career spanned collaborations with multiple CMs including Prithviraj Chavan, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde.
The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be held with full state honours on Thursday in Baramati. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend the funeral, which will be held at Vidya Pratishthan ground at 11 am. Leaders cutting across the political spectrum also conveyed their shock over this “untimely demise” of a leader known for his grassroot connectivity and developmental focus.
