BARAMATI, India — Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar was killed Wednesday morning after his chartered aircraft crashed and burst into flames during a landing attempt at Baramati Airport. He was 66.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that all five individuals on board—including Pawar, two security staff, and two crew members—perished in the accident.
The Incident
The twin-engine Learjet 45, operated by VSR Ventures (Registration: VT-SSK), departed from Mumbai at 8:10 a.m. local time. According to flight data, the aircraft disappeared from radar at approximately 8:45 a.m. while approaching the runway at Baramati, Pawar’s political stronghold.
Impact: Eyewitnesses reported the aircraft appeared unstable during its final descent, veered off the side of runway 11 upon touchdown, and immediately erupted into a massive fireball.
Casualties: Local police and emergency responders recovered five bodies from the wreckage. Among the deceased were Pawar’s Personal Security Officer (PSO) and a personal attendant.
Investigation: Preliminary reports from the DGCA suggest poor visibility or technical failure may have played a role. A formal inquiry has been constituted to determine the exact cause.
Political Reaction
The news has sent shockwaves through the Indian political landscape. Pawar was traveling to Baramati to lead a series of public rallies ahead of upcoming local elections.
“This is a heart-rending incident. He was not just the Deputy CM of Maharashtra but a towering leader who remained committed to the state’s development,” said Union Minister Giriraj Singh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have reportedly spoken with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to coordinate the state’s response and express their condolences.
Legacy of the “Dada” of Baramati
Ajit Pawar was a central figure in Maharashtra politics for over four decades. Known affectionately as “Ajit Dada,” he served as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister for a record six non-consecutive terms. He was a dominant force in the cooperative sector and was instrumental in the infrastructure development of Western Maharashtra.
He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and two sons, Parth and Jay.
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