Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Baramati Plane Crash

Maharashtra was left in shock on Wednesday after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others lost their lives in a tragic plane crash in Baramati, located in Pune district.

The incident occurred when the aircraft attempted to land in Baramati and crash-landed under unclear circumstances, killing everyone on board, officials confirmed.

Details of the Aircraft and Incident

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft involved was a Learjet 45, operated by a Delhi-based charter company, VSR.

People Killed in the Crash

All five occupants were declared dead at the site:

• Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader

• Vidip Jadhav, close aide

• Pinky Mali, Personal Security Officer

• Captain Sumit Kapur, pilot

• Shambhavi Pathak, co-pilot

Rescue and police teams were immediately deployed, but there were no survivors.

Flight Timeline Before the Crash

Mr. Pawar had departed from Mumbai at 8:10 am to attend an election rally for the upcoming Zila Parishad polls in Baramati.

As per FlightRadar data, the aircraft disappeared from radar around 8:45 am, shortly before the crash during landing.

Ajit Pawar: A Powerful Political Journey

From Grassroots Leader to Deputy Chief Minister

Known affectionately as “Dada” among supporters, Ajit Pawar was one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures.

• Entered politics in the 1980s, guided by his uncle Sharad Pawar

• Won his first major election in 1991, securing the Baramati Lok Sabha seat

• Served as Deputy Chief Minister five times under different governments

Split in the NCP and Political Legacy

In a defining moment, Mr. Pawar broke away from Sharad Pawar and joined hands with the BJP, a move that split the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Despite political turbulence, he remained firm about his ambition, once stating that he hoped to serve as Chief Minister and implement his own development vision.

That ambition, however, was tragically cut short.

Family and State Mourning

Ajit Pawar is survived by:

• Sunetra Pawar, Rajya Sabha member

• Sons Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar

The Government of Maharashtra has announced a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the late leader.

Nation Mourns a Sudden Loss

The Ajit Pawar plane crash has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum, with leaders from all parties expressing deep condolences.

As investigations continue, the tragedy marks the sudden end of a four-decade-long political career that shaped Maharashtra’s modern political landscape.