Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has died after the private plane he was travelling in crashed during an emergency landing attempt at Baramati Airport in Pune district on Wednesday morning. The tragic accident also took the lives of four others on board, officials confirmed.
What Happened
The accident occurred at around 8:45 am when a Learjet 45XR aircraft (registration VT-SSK), operated by VSR Aviation, was attempting to land at Baramati Airport after departing from Mumbai. The aircraft lost control near the runway, veered off, and crashed, bursting into flames on impact.
Eyewitnesses and videos from the scene showed the plane in pieces and on fire, with emergency responders at the site.
Who Was on Board
According to authorities, there were five people on board:
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Ajit Pawar (Deputy Chief Minister)
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Two staff members
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Two crew members (pilot and first officer)
No survivors were found after the crash, and all aboard were reported killed.
Purpose of the Flight
Ajit Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to attend public meetings related to the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. The flight plan was part of his schedule to campaign in his home district.
Reactions from Leaders
Political leaders across the country expressed shock and grief:
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was saddened by the tragic crash and offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah was briefed on the situation and stayed in touch with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding developments.
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Senior ministers and MPs described Ajit Pawar’s death as “deeply shocking” and “heart-rending,” noting his long public service and dedication.
Who Was Ajit Pawar
Ajit Pawar, 66, was one of Maharashtra’s most experienced politicians. He served multiple terms as Deputy Chief Minister in various state governments and was a key political figure in the state. Pawar was also a senior leader in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and later aligned with the current state government.
He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar (Rajya Sabha MP), and their two sons, Parth and Jay.
Investigation Underway
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and local authorities have begun investigating the cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest the aircraft lost control during the landing approach at Baramati, but officials have not yet released a final cause.
Maharashtra in Mourning
The news of such a senior leader’s sudden and tragic death has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political circles and among the public. Leaders from across parties have shared grief and paid tribute to Pawar’s long career in public service.