Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a tragic plane crash near Baramati in Pune district today morning. The fatal incident claimed the lives of Pawar and four other persons, plunging Maharashtra and the nation into deep mourning.
The accident occurred when a Learjet 45 aircraft operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures crash-landed while attempting to land near Baramati. Flight tracking data showed that the aircraft took off from Mumbai at around 8.10 am and disappeared from radar shortly before 8.45 am. Sources said the pilot had reported poor visibility near the runway moments before the landing attempt.
Eyewitnesses stated that the aircraft appeared unstable during descent and burst into flames immediately after hitting the ground. The crash was followed by multiple explosions, severely hampering rescue operations due to the intense fire.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed that the Learjet 45 bearing registration number VT-SSK went off the runway and caught fire while landing. There were five persons on board, including Ajit Pawar, two accompanying personnel and two crew members. All occupants were killed in the accident.
Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was a senior and influential leader in Maharashtra politics. He was the nephew of veteran politician and Nationalist Congress Party founder Sharad Pawar and a cousin of Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Supriya Sule.
Pawar was travelling to Baramati to attend public programmes in connection with the upcoming zilla parishad elections.
Following the tragic demise, former Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh expressed deep sorrow over Pawar’s death. In a post on X, Singh said he was deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar in the air crash at Baramati. He described Pawar as a seasoned and committed leader who served the people of Maharashtra with dedication and integrity, and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Maharashtra.
Salam Joy Singh, former MLA and President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Manipur State, expressed deep grief over the sudden demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar. In his condolence message, Salam Joy Singh described Pawar’s passing as an irreparable loss to both the political fraternity and the people of Maharashtra.
He recalled Pawar’s long and distinguished public service, highlighting his commitment to the development and prosperity of the state. Known for his administrative acumen, compassion for the common people, and dedication to public welfare, Pawar’s contributions to infrastructure, agriculture, and social welfare were remembered with gratitude.
Salam Joy Singh extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, relatives, and admirers, praying for strength during this time of grief and for Ajit Pawar’s soul to rest in eternal peace.
The Maharashtra government has announced three days of state mourning till January 30. During the mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast and no official entertainment will be held. Condolences continue to pour in from leaders across the country, describing Pawar’s death as a major loss to the state and the nation.