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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (66) tragically died on January 28, 2026, when his chartered Learjet 45 crashed while landing in Baramati. All onboard, including crew and aides, perished. A stalwart of Maharashtra politics and nephew of Sharad Pawar, his death leaves a massive void in the NCP and the state’s political landscape.
The Day Baramati Fell Silent
Date: January 28, 2026
Category: Maharashtra News / Politics / Tribute
Reading Time: 7 Minutes
Introduction: A Morning That Shook Maharashtra
The morning of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, began like any other for the bustling town of
Baramati—the fortress of the Pawar family. Supporters were preparing for a massive rally ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections, eagerly awaiting their leader, the man they affectionately called “Dada” (Big Brother). But the cheers never came.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed in a tragic plane crash just moments before he was set to land in his hometown. The news has sent shockwaves across India, bringing the state of Maharashtra to a standstill. The man known for his 6 AM starts, administrative grip, and rebellious streak is no more, leaving behind a legacy as complex as it is influential.
This is not just a news update; it is the story of a leader who defined Maharashtra’s politics for decades and the tragic twist of fate that ended his journey.
The Crash: What Happened at Baramati Airport?
At approximately 8:00 AM IST, a Learjet 45 aircraft (Registration VT-SSK), operated by VSR Ventures, took off from Mumbai. Onboard were Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer (PSO), an attendant, and two pilots.
The flight was a routine commute for the Deputy CM, who was scheduled to address four rallies in Pune district. However, as the aircraft approached the Baramati Airport around 8:45 AM, tragedy struck. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the plane encountered issues during its descent. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft veer off the runway threshold, crash-land with significant force, and immediately burst into flames.
Locals and rescue teams rushed to the site, but the intensity of the fire left no chance for survival. Officials confirmed that all five souls on board perished instantly. The visuals of the charred wreckage against the backdrop of the town he built were a grim symbol of the day’s loss.
“He was coming home to his people. The plane fell just 100 feet before the runway. It exploded multiple times.” — Local Eyewitness.
The Man Behind the Title: Who Was Ajit Pawar?
Born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara, Ahmednagar, Ajit Anantrao Pawar was more than just a politician; he was an administrator par excellence.
- The Early Grind: Unlike many dynasty politicians who inherit power effortlessly, Ajit Pawar worked his way up. He started in the cooperative sector in 1982, understanding the pulse of rural Maharashtra—sugar factories, milk unions, and district banks.
- The “Dada” of Politics: Known for his no-nonsense attitude, Ajit Pawar was famous for his early morning meetings. Bureaucrats knew that if a file reached Dada’s desk, a decision—”Yes” or “No”—would be made instantly.
- Record-Holding Deputy CM: He held the record for serving as Deputy Chief Minister the most number of times, working under various Chief Ministers including Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde.
His career was a testament to his adaptability. whether it was the “dawn swearing-in” of 2019 or his final split from the NCP in 2023 to join the Mahayuti alliance, Ajit Pawar played the game of power with unmatched boldness.
The Pawar Dynasty: A Family Divided and United in Grief
Ajit Pawar’s story is incomplete without mentioning the towering shadow of his uncle, Sharad Pawar.
- The Mentor and the Rebel: Sharad Pawar, the patriarch, groomed Ajit in the nuances of politics. For years, Ajit was the muscle executing Sharad Pawar’s strategies. However, ambitions eventually clashed. The split in 2023, where Ajit claimed the NCP name and symbol, was a defining moment of political fratricide.
- Supriya Sule: His cousin and political rival, Supriya Sule, often found herself on the opposite side of the ideological battle. Yet, despite the bitter political feud—including the 2024 Lok Sabha election where Ajit fielded his wife Sunetra Pawar against Supriya—the family bonds remained deep. Just recently, Ajit had expressed regret over that decision, saying, “I should not have let politics enter the home”.
Today, those political lines have blurred into shared grief. Supriya Sule and the entire Pawar clan, including his sons Parth and Jay, have rushed to Baramati. The “Pawar Power” that defined Western Maharashtra is today united in mourning.
The Void in Maharashtra Politics
Ajit Pawar’s death creates a vacuum that will be hard to fill.
- For the NCP: He was the organizational face of the party. With him gone, the faction he led faces an uncertain future. Will it merge back with Sharad Pawar’s faction, or will a new leader emerge?
- For the Government: As the Finance Minister and Deputy CM, he held the keys to the state’s treasury and development projects. His aggressive push for infrastructure in Pune and Baramati was unmatched.
- For Baramati: To the locals, he was the man who transformed a rural tehsil into a model of development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock, stating, “Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people… widely respected for his administrative understanding”.
Conclusion: A Flight That Never Landed
As the sun sets on Baramati today, the silence is deafening. Ajit Pawar lived his life in the fast lane of politics—dynamic, controversial, and always in motion. It is a cruel irony that his journey ended in a crash while he was on the move, doing what he did best: connecting with his people.
Maharashtra has lost a heavy-weight leader. Whether you agreed with his politics or not, you could not ignore Ajit Dada Pawar.
Rest in Peace, Dada.
FAQs: What We Know So Far
Q1: How did Ajit Pawar die?
A: Ajit Pawar died on January 28, 2026, when his private charter plane (Learjet 45) crashed while landing at Baramati Airport.
Q2: Was anyone else on the plane?
A: Yes, 5 people were on board, including his Personal Security Officer (PSO), an attendant, and two pilots. There were no survivors.
Q3: Who is Ajit Pawar’s wife?
A: He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, who is a Rajya Sabha MP and active in social work.
Q4: What happens to the NCP now?
A: His death leaves the NCP faction he led in a crisis. Political analysts predict a possible realignment or a struggle for succession within the party.
Q5: What was the cause of the crash?
A: Preliminary reports suggest a technical malfunction or loss of control during landing. The DGCA has ordered a full investigation.
