Date: January 28, 2026
Source: Multiple verified reports confirm Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has died in a plane crash near Baramati, Maharashtra.
In a shocking incident that has sent waves of grief across India, Ajit Anantrao Pawar — Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and a towering political figure — died today in an aircraft crash. The small chartered plane he was traveling in from Mumbai to his hometown Baramati crash-landed while attempting to touch down, resulting in his untimely death along with all other passengers on board.
The Plane Crash: What Happened
- Ajit Pawar was on a private charter Learjet 45 flying from Mumbai to Baramati on the morning of January 28, 2026.
- The aircraft reportedly attempted an emergency landing at Baramati airport at around 08:45 AM IST, lost control, and crash-landed off the runway, bursting into flames.
- All on board, including Pawar, his security personnel, and the pilots, were confirmed dead at the site.
- Pawar was en route to attend multiple public meetings ahead of upcoming local body elections, making the timing all the more tragic.
This devastating event has been widely covered by national and international media, and investigations by aviation authorities are expected to follow.
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Who Was Ajit Pawar? Early Life & Background
Ajit Anantrao Pawar was born on 22 July 1959 in Deolali Pravara in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra.
He hailed from a politically influential family, being the nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Pawar grew up witnessing grassroots issues deeply — especially the struggles of farmers and rural communities — which would shape his ideological foundation and political aspirations.
Political Career: Rise From Local Leader to State Powerhouse
Ajit Pawar’s political journey began long before he assumed high executive office:
Early Political Growth
- Pawar’s early involvement was rooted in the cooperative movement and grassroots level politics in western Maharashtra — a region known for its politically active farmer communities.
- By 1991, he was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, marking his formal entry into electoral politics.
Leadership Within NCP
- Ajit Pawar was a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and was widely known by the affectionate moniker “Dada” (elder brother) among supporters.
- His political acumen made him one of the most influential figures within the party, trusted with key portfolios and decision-making authority.
Multiple Terms as Deputy Chief Minister
One of Pawar’s most defining distinctions was his record-breaking tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra:
- Six terms as Deputy CM under various state administrations.
- He served in this role under chief ministers from different political alliances, highlighting his adaptability and influence across administrations.
- At the time of his death, he was serving as the 8th Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, a position he held since 30 June 2023.
Other Key Roles
- Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (2022–2023).
- Held major administrative portfolios including Finance, Planning, Energy, Irrigation, and Water Resources in state cabinets over decades.
Major Achievements & Contributions
Ajit Pawar’s political tenure was marked by several noteworthy achievements:
1. Fiscal Leadership & Budget Strategy
- As Finance Minister, Pawar shaped several state budgets, often credited with fiscal prudence and strategic economic planning.
- His role in resource allocation and financial governance positioned him as one of Maharashtra’s key economic architects.
2. Infrastructure & Regional Development
- Pawar was active in championing infrastructure projects, particularly in his stronghold of Baramati and the broader Pune region.
- Just days before his death, he announced ambitious plans for the Purandar International Airport, envisioned to be one of India’s largest airports — a major visionary push for regional growth.
3. Cooperative & Agricultural Advocacy
- Long before rising to state leadership, Pawar’s early work in cooperative movements helped strengthen rural economic structures.
4. Political Strategy & Alliances
- Pawar played a pivotal role in state coalition politics, navigating complex alliances across party lines and keeping NCP influential in Maharashtra governance.
Political Strength: Influence & Power Base
Ajit Pawar’s political weight came from multiple pillars:
Electoral Dominance
- A veteran of multiple elections, Pawar won successive terms from his Baramati constituency, cementing his grassroots legitimacy.
Party Leadership & Strategic Role
- As a senior NCP figure, his leadership helped balance coalition equations across National and regional parties.
Alliance Builder
- Pawar was known for his ability to bridge divides, working with allies to form and sustain governments in Maharashtra across differing political eras.
Policy Maker & Administrator
- Beyond politics, his work in governance — especially on financial policy — earned him respect across party lines, making him a key stakeholder in state-level policymaking.
National & Local Reaction to His Death
The reaction to Ajit Pawar’s death has been overwhelming:
- Political leaders across parties have expressed shock, sorrow and condolences at the loss of a seasoned statesman.
- Several noted that Pawar’s sudden passing is a huge loss for Maharashtra’s political landscape, particularly given his experience and ongoing leadership roles.
His passing arrived at a critical political juncture during local election campaigning, making the vacuum left by his absence immediately impactful.
Ajit Pawar’s Legacy: What He Leaves Behind
Ajit Pawar’s legacy is defined by political endurance, strategic leadership, and administrative contributions. For many in Maharashtra:
- He was a bridge between tradition and modern governance.
- A guardian of regional development whose policies influenced urban and rural sectors alike.
- A politician whose career spanned decades of public service.
Pawar’s influence extended beyond office — into the realms of economics, rural policy, public infrastructure, and coalition politics — making his imprint on Maharashtra’s governance indelible.
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