Maharashtra is in deep mourning following the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a charter plane crash on the morning of January 28, 2026.
The 66-year-old leader was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati for election meetings when his Learjet 45 crashed during an emergency landing attempt in dense fog.
All five people on board, including two pilots and security personnel, were killed in the accident. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has declared a state holiday and three days of mourning across Maharashtra as a mark of respect for the veteran politician.
Baramati Plane Crash
The incident occurred around 8:45 AM local time when the private jet, operated by VSR Ventures, faced difficulties while approaching the Baramati runway. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft explode into a ball of fire approximately 100 feet before the landing strip after an unsuccessful first attempt due to low visibility.
Emergency responders and local villagers rushed to the scene but found the wreckage completely engulfed in flames.
National leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, have expressed their shock, while an investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been launched to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash
Initial reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suggest the pilot, Captain Shambhavi Pathak, did not issue a “Mayday” call before the incident. However, sources indicate the crew had mentioned poor visibility to air traffic control just moments before the final approach.
Eyewitnesses near the airfield described the plane as “unstable” and circling the site before hitting the ground, followed by four to five consecutive blasts that prevented immediate rescue efforts.
The AAIB team from Delhi has reached the crash site to inspect the wreckage of the VT-SSK registration aircraft, which was over 15 years old, to determine if a technical snag or human error during the second landing attempt led to the disaster.
State Tributes
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the loss as irreparable, stating that Ajit Pawar was a hardworking leader who made massive contributions to the development of Maharashtra.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde echoed these sentiments, referring to Pawar as an elder brother and a vital part of the state administration. The government has ordered the national flag to fly at half mast on all state buildings and cancelled all official entertainment through January 30.
Family members, including Supriya Sule and Parth Pawar, have reached Baramati, where a massive crowd of supporters has gathered outside the hospital to pay their final respects to the man affectionately known as Dada.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The sudden and tragic loss of a seasoned administrator like Ajit Pawar serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the immense weight of public service. Beyond the political rivalries and party splits that often dominate headlines, this moment calls for a collective spirit of empathy and national unity.
It is crucial that the investigation into this aviation disaster is thorough and transparent to ensure the safety of all who travel in service of the country. As the state pauses to reflect on his decades-long career, we must remember that behind every political figure is a family and a community now grieving a profound loss.
Also Read: Loved, Feared, Unstoppable: How Ajit Pawar Ruled Maharashtra’s Political Chessboard
