Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Dies in Tragic Baramati Plane Crash
In a devastating incident that has sent shockwaves across the political landscape of India, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, aged 66, passed away on Wednesday following a tragic plane crash in Baramati. The state has plunged into mourning, with his last rites slated to be held on Thursday, 29 January, at 11 am.
State Announces Mourning as Political Leaders Pay Tributes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and numerous other senior political figures from across party lines are expected to attend the final rites, reflecting the widespread grief and respect for the veteran leader. In response to the tragedy, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced three days of mourning across the state. As a mark of respect, national flags will fly at half-mast to honour Ajit Pawar, who served as the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, a testament to his enduring influence and dedication to public service.
Details of the Fatal Plane Crash Emerge
The ill-fated flight took off from Mumbai at approximately 8.10 am on Wednesday, with Ajit Pawar en route to Baramati to address public rallies ahead of the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. After about 35 minutes in the air, the aircraft crash-landed at its destination. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) swiftly confirmed that all five individuals on board perished in the accident. The casualties included:
- Ajit Pawar
- His personal security officer
- A flight attendant
- The two pilots
The aircraft involved was a Learjet 45 manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace and operated by Delhi-based VSR Aviation. Reports indicate that the plane had undergone its first safety audit in February 2025. VSR founder V K Singh attributed the crash to the pilot's inability to see the runway during the landing attempt. It has been revealed that the Baramati airstrip lacked essential navigational aids that could have facilitated an automatic landing, potentially contributing to the mishap. The investigation into the crash has been taken over by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with assistance from the Pune police, to determine the exact cause and ensure accountability.
Cross-Party Grief and Appeals Against Politicization
As news of Ajit Pawar's untimely death spread, leaders from all political spectrums expressed profound grief and shock. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to opposition figures, condolences poured in, highlighting Pawar's significant role in Maharashtra politics. In a poignant address later in the day, Ajit Pawar's uncle and NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar addressed speculation regarding foul play, which had been initiated by figures like Mamata Banerjee. He stated emphatically, “Some people are trying to give a political colour to the incident. There is no politics involved; it is purely an accident. It has caused immense grief to me and to the entire state of Maharashtra. I appeal to everyone not to politicize this tragedy.” This appeal underscores the need for unity and respect during this period of mourning, as the state and nation come to terms with the loss of a prominent leader.
The tragic demise of Ajit Pawar marks a somber moment in Indian politics, with his legacy and contributions being remembered amidst the ongoing investigations and state-wide mourning. As developments unfold, the focus remains on honouring his memory and ensuring a thorough probe into the circumstances of the crash.
