In a devastating aviation tragedy, Indian CM Ajit Pawar—Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—was killed in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday morning, January 28, 2026. The incident has sent shockwaves across India’s political and administrative circles.
According to officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the chartered Learjet 45 aircraft, operated by Delhi-based firm VSR, crashed at around 8:45am while attempting to land at Baramati Airport. Ajit Pawar was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati to attend a public rally related to the Zilla Parishad elections.
Authorities confirmed that all five people on board were killed, leaving no survivors. The victims included Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, a personal aide, and two crew members—the pilot and co-pilot.
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Cause of the Crash
Initial reports indicate that the aircraft lost balance during the landing phase, struck the runway area, and burst into flames immediately upon impact. Emergency response teams rushed to the site, but the intensity of the fire made rescue efforts impossible.
The DGCA, along with aviation safety authorities, has launched a full-scale investigation to determine whether technical failure, pilot error, or environmental conditions contributed to the fatal crash.
Political Shockwaves Across India
The sudden death of Ajit Pawar, one of the most influential leaders in Maharashtra politics, has created a major political vacuum. Leaders from across party lines have expressed deep grief, calling the incident a “dark and irreparable loss” for the state and the nation.
Condolence messages have poured in from senior government officials, opposition leaders, and party workers, highlighting Pawar’s long-standing role in shaping Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Further updates are expected as investigators work to uncover the exact cause behind the fatal plane crash that killed Indian CM Ajit Pawar.
