Ajit Pawar's plane crash Baramati, January 28, 2026: A Learjet 45 crashed during landing, killing the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and four other people. Live updates, aircraft data, and responses from REAL BREAKING NEWS on the tragic aviation accident in Pune as PM Modi, President Murmu, and other leaders mourn.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four other people died this morning after their private jet crashed while trying to land at Baramati airport in Pune district, dealing a devastating blow to Maharashtra politics and the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and leaders from all parties have expressed their condolences for the disaster, which was confirmed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Tragedy happened while 66-year-old Ajit Pawar was traveling to his village to campaign for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.
Around 8:00 AM, the Bombardier Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK), a mid-size business jet selected from Delhi-based VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd., took off from Mumbai. Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer (PSO), two crew members (first officer and pilot-in-command), and an attendant were on board. The plane went off the runway while landing at around 8:45–8:48 AM, crashed at the end of runway 11 before catching fire, according to DGCA and initial reports from Baramati airport manager Shivaji Taware. Videos that are making the rounds on the internet show debris dispersed across an open field, intense smoke, and fire. Rescue crews raced to the scene, but when they arrived at the hospital, all five of the passengers had been declared dead. There are no survivors.
This was not the aircraft's first accident; in 2023, the same model and operator experienced an incident that did not result in any fatalities. An investigation has been started by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is probably looking into weather, mechanical problems, pilot mistake, or runway circumstances. Ajit Pawar's late father Anantrao and uncle Sharad Pawar established their political headquarters at Baramati, a private airport that was recently turned up to Maharashtra Airport Development Company.
Ajit Pawar, the cousin of Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule and nephew of seasoned politician Sharad Pawar, had a remarkable career spanning several decades. He was a seven-time Baramati MLA and held several ministerial positions, including a brief term as deputy chief minister. He caused an important divide within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 2023, uniting his group with the BJP-Shiv Sena administration and rising to the position of Deputy Chief Minister alongside Eknath Shinde. He was frequently referred to as "Dada" and was a well-liked but divisive figure in Maharashtra politics due to his grassroots connections, administrative skills, and emphasis on cooperatives, irrigation, and rural development.
A Nation in Mourning: Tributes Fill Up
The news was like a blast of fire. "Saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati, Maharashtra," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X after speaking with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. I'm thinking of everyone who lost a loved one. With a strong connection at the grassroots level, Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people. He was regarded by many as a dedicated individual. I'm praying for the lost families' bravery and strength."
"The news of several people, including Maharashtra's deputy chief minister Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is extremely tragic," said President Droupadi Murmu, expressing her deep sorrow. Ajit Pawar ji's unexpected passing is an irreversible loss. His unique contribution to Maharashtra's growth, particularly in the cooperative sector, will live on in memory forever.
He was referred to as a "senior NDA colleague" by Home Minister Amit Shah, who was deeply distressed. Rallies were canceled when Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis declared a three-day state of mourning. NCP leaders hurried from Delhi to Baramati, including members of the Sharad Pawar family (Supriya Sule, Sunetra Pawar, and Parth Pawar). In their condolences, Rahul Gandhi, Eknath Shinde, Rajnath Singh, and others emphasized Pawar's commitment to the underprivileged and the advancement of the state.
The Pawar family is heartbroken; their family is now traveling to Baramati for final rituals while Sharad Pawar is in Delhi for the budget session of Parliament. Election campaigns and other political activity are suspended.
This incident exposes aviation safety issues, particularly with regard to chartered flights, for VIP travel in India. Maharashtra and the country mourn a leader who influenced their politics for decades as investigations get underway. The abrupt departure of Ajit Pawar creates a huge power gap in the state.
REAL BREAKING NEWS stands with Maharashtra during this time of grief and offers the families our sincere condolences. There will be updates on the investigation and memorials.
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