“It is a painful and unfortunate day for me and for the entire state,” said Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, reacting to the death of his colleague Ajit Pawar, who was among five people killed in a chartered plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday.

Expressing deep shock, Shinde said the loss was personal and political, as tributes poured in from across party lines.

The aircraft, a Learjet 45, crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district, killing all those on board, including Pawar, two pilots, and members of his security team.

The plane was flying from Mumbai for political engagements when it reportedly veered off the runway and burst into flames. Emergency responders rushed to the site, but officials confirmed there were no survivors.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a three-day state mourning, calling Pawar’s death “an unimaginable loss for Maharashtra’s public life”.

Fadnavis said he and Deputy CM Shinde were heading to Baramati to oversee arrangements and coordinate with authorities. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

Ajit Pawar, 66, was one of Maharashtra’s most influential political leaders, having served multiple terms as Deputy Chief Minister and playing a central role in state governance for decades. A key figure in Baramati and the state’s rural belt, he was travelling to attend local election-related meetings when the tragedy occurred.

Political leaders, civil society members, and citizens across Maharashtra expressed grief, with many describing Pawar as a decisive administrator and mass leader.

Crash and Casualties

A private charter aircraft carrying Maharashtra’s Deputy CM Ajit Pawar crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport in Pune district early on Wednesday morning.

The jet, flying from Mumbai, was approaching the runway when it veered off the landing path, struck the ground and burst into flames, leaving no survivors among the five on board, officials told reporters.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the victims included Pawar, his personal security officer (PSO), an attendant, and two pilots – each of whom perished in the fiery crash.

Eyewitness accounts from the scene described thick black smoke, multiple explosions and a blaze that made immediate rescue attempts impossible.

The aircraft, a Bombardier Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR Aviation, was chartered for Pawar’s travel to election engagements in Baramati, where he was scheduled to address several meetings related to the upcoming Zilla Parishad polls.

Emergency response teams from local fire and rescue units reached the scene soon after the crash but were unable to save those on board due to the intensity of the flames.

Officials React: Mourning, Investigation and Leadership Loss

News of Pawar’s death prompted swift reaction from political leaders across India, with expressions of shock, sorrow, and condolence.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a three-day state mourning in Maharashtra as a mark of respect for Pawar’s service and legacy. Local flags were ordered to be flown at half-mast, and government offices paused work in tribute to the fallen Deputy CM.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the crash as a “shocking and saddening incident” and praised Ajit Pawar’s dedication to public service, offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also departed for Baramati to coordinate with local authorities and offer support.

Senior Maharashtra leader Eknath Shinde, who served alongside Pawar in the state government, called the Deputy CM a “straightforward and fearless leader” known for his administrative skill and commitment to governance.

Shinde said the loss was “sad and unfortunate” for the state and confirmed that a full investigation into the aircraft accident would follow.

Opposition leaders and figures from across the political spectrum, including national and regional parties, expressed grief and urged a thorough probe into the crash’s causes.

Probe Underway

The DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have been ordered to inspect the wreckage and determine what caused the plane to crash despite reports of clear weather conditions and an experienced pilot at the controls.

Initial observations indicate the aircraft may have overrun or veered off the runway during a second landing attempt, but authorities caution that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions.

This jet’s model, a Learjet 45XR, was reportedly involved in a non-fatal incident in 2023, though the circumstances then were considered unrelated to this tragic crash and have yet to be linked by investigators.

Local officials said runway conditions, flight path data, aircraft performance logs and weather reports will all be analysed as part of a comprehensive effort to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the disaster.

Ajit Pawar’s Legacy and Political Impact

Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was one of Maharashtra’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Ministers, holding the position multiple times across various administrations.

A prominent figure in state politics, he led the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction and later aligned with the ruling coalition in Maharashtra following internal party developments.

Known for his deep influence in rural and sugar belt constituencies, Pawar played a key role in shaping policy and governance in the state over decades. His sudden death leaves a vacuum in Maharashtra’s political landscape, especially as the state prepares for local elections and crucial governance debates.

Family members, including cousins and fellow NCP leaders, were reported to be travelling from New Delhi to Baramati, where mourning gatherings and tributes have begun to form in the community he represented.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

The tragic loss of a high-profile public servant and four others in an aviation accident is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the inherent risks of travel – even for seasoned leaders.

Our collective grief must be matched by a rigorous commitment to transparency and accountability, especially as investigative agencies work to uncover what went wrong.

In moments like these, we must strive to uphold empathy, dignity and constructive dialogue, resisting polarisation even as political debates continue around leadership, governance and public safety.