A Black Day for Maharashtra: The Tragic Demise of Ajit Pawar and the Unanswered Questions Behind the Baramati Crash

Wednesday, January 28, 2026, began as a routine day in the bustling political landscape of Maharashtra, but it ended in profound silence and grief. In a catastrophe that has shaken the nation’s political core, Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a towering figure in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was killed in a tragic plane crash. The incident occurred in Baramati, his political bastion and hometown, turning a land that celebrated his leadership into a ground of mourning.

The Timeline of Tragedy: The Final Flight

The sequence of events began early on Wednesday morning when Ajit Pawar boarded a private charter aircraft in Mumbai, scheduled to fly to Baramati for political engagements related to Zilla Parishad Elections.

• Take-off: The aircraft, a Learjet 45XR registration VT-SSK, departed Mumbai at approximately 8:10 AM.
• The Descent: After nearly an hour of normal flight, the aircraft lost control while attempting a "second approach" to the runway at Baramati airport.
• The Impact: At approximately 8:45 AM, the plane fell from a height of about 100 feet just before the runway, disintegrated, and was immediately engulfed in flames.

"A Massive Explosion": Eyewitness Accounts

Locals near the airport watched in horror as the jet descended erratically. One witness described the terrifying sequence of events:

"When the aircraft descended, it seemed it would crash, and it did crash. It then exploded... There were 4-5 explosions in the aircraft again."

The intensity of the fire made rescue efforts by local residents impossible. Video footage from the site later confirmed that the wreckage was split into pieces, emitting thick smoke.

The Victims

Official reports from the DGCA confirmed there were no survivors. The crash claimed the lives of everyone on board.

The Aircraft: A History of Incidents

The Learjet 45XR, owned by VSR Ventures Private Limited, has come under immediate scrutiny due to its troubled history. This specific aircraft (VT-SSK) was involved in a previous accident in September 2023, where it skidded off the runway at Mumbai airport during heavy rain.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is set to probe whether mechanical failure or pilot error led to this fatal recurrence. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has already demanded a formal probe into the safety standards provided for high-profile leaders.

Remembering the "Dada" of Maharashtra Politics

The death of Ajit Pawar, affectionately known as "Dada" (elder brother), marks the end of an era. Known for his formidable grip on governance and ability to navigate coalition politics, he served as Deputy Chief Minister for an astounding six terms under various Chief Ministers.

As the nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar, he was born into a political legacy but carved out his own distinct identity. He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and their two sons, Jay and Parth.

A Unified Nation Mourns

Leaders across the political spectrum have expressed their deep sorrow:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Described Pawar as a leader with a "strong grassroots level connect" and praised his dedication to administrative matters.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah: Termed the loss "heart-rending" and cancelled his scheduled events to depart for Baramati.
• Sharad Pawar: The NCP-SCP Chief rushed to Baramati from his Mumbai residence, Silver Oaks, accompanied by his wife.
• Opposition Leaders: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mamata Banerjee, and Sanjay Raut all acknowledged his commitment and tireless work ethic.

The Atmosphere in Baramati and Beyond

Baramati has plunged into mourning, with party workers and supporters in shock. The Maharashtra government has cancelled all official events as a mark of respect while state dignitaries rush to the crash site.

Rest in Peace, Ajit Pawar.