Former Minister Mahadev Jankar Reveals He Was Scheduled to Travel with Ajit Pawar on Day of Fatal Crash
In a startling revelation, former minister Mahadev Jankar has disclosed that he was scheduled to travel with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar on the very day of the tragic aircraft crash that claimed the lives of Pawar and four others. The fatal incident occurred at Baramati airport in Pune district, sending shockwaves through Maharashtra's political circles and beyond.
The Tragic Incident at Baramati Airport
The chartered aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar and four other individuals crashed under devastating circumstances. The accident took place at approximately 8:45 am on January 28, 2026, when the aircraft went down barely 200 metres from the edge of the tabletop runway at Baramati airport. The location of the crash, so close to the runway's edge, has raised significant questions about aviation safety protocols and airport infrastructure in the region.
All five persons on board the flight from Mumbai were killed in the crash, marking one of the most tragic aviation accidents in recent Maharashtra history. The incident has left a profound void in the state's political landscape, given Ajit Pawar's prominent role as a senior NCP leader and former deputy chief minister.
Jankar's Close Call and Emotional Disclosure
Mahadev Jankar, who served as a minister in the Maharashtra government, shared his emotional account of what could have been a very different outcome. "I was supposed to travel with Ajit Pawar on that fateful day," Jankar revealed, highlighting how close he came to being on the ill-fated aircraft.
The former minister's disclosure adds a deeply personal dimension to the tragedy, underscoring how chance and circumstance can dramatically alter lives. Jankar's scheduled travel plans with Pawar suggest the two leaders were coordinating on political or official business, though the exact nature of their planned journey remains unspecified.
Investigation and Aftermath
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the crash, with aviation experts examining multiple factors that could have contributed to the tragedy:
- The unique topography of Baramati airport's tabletop runway
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Aircraft maintenance and technical specifications
- Pilot experience and decision-making processes
- Air traffic control communications and guidance
The crash has prompted renewed calls for enhanced safety measures at regional airports across India, particularly those with challenging geographical features like tabletop runways. Aviation authorities are expected to review operational protocols and infrastructure standards in light of this incident.
Political Implications and Legacy
Ajit Pawar's untimely death represents a significant loss for Maharashtra politics, where he played a crucial role in coalition governments and policy-making. As a key figure in the NCP and nephew of party founder Sharad Pawar, his absence creates both a leadership vacuum and succession questions within the party.
Mahadev Jankar's revelation about his scheduled travel with Pawar adds to the emotional weight of the tragedy, reminding us how interconnected political lives can be and how suddenly circumstances can change. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life, even for those in positions of power and influence.
As investigations continue and the political community mourns, the Baramati airport crash will likely remain a pivotal moment in Maharashtra's recent history, prompting reflection on aviation safety, political continuity, and the unpredictable nature of fate.
