Veteran Maharashtra Leader Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash, State Declares Mourning

Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar passed away on Tuesday after the aircraft he was travelling in crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. Four other people on board, including crew members and security staff, also lost their lives in the incident. Authorities have confirmed that there were no survivors.

The crash occurred when the small chartered aircraft was nearing its destination. Preliminary information suggests the plane was on approach to the runway when it went down within the airport premises. The exact cause of the accident has not yet been established, and officials have stated that a detailed technical investigation will be carried out.

India’s aviation authorities said a specialised team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has been dispatched to the site to examine flight data, weather conditions, and other technical aspects related to the crash. Until the investigation is complete, officials have refrained from drawing conclusions about the reasons behind the accident.

State and National Leaders Express Grief

The news of Ajit Pawar’s death sent shockwaves across Maharashtra’s political landscape and beyond. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, describing the incident as heartbreaking and extending condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Leaders from across party lines, including senior figures from the ruling coalition and the opposition, paid tribute to Pawar’s long public life and political influence.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the loss “immeasurable” and said the state had lost one of its most experienced and influential leaders. He assured that the government would provide all necessary support to the families affected by the tragedy.

The Maharashtra government announced three days of official mourning as a mark of respect. During this period, flags on government buildings will fly at half-mast, and official events have been cancelled. Pawar’s last rites are scheduled to be held in Baramati, his home constituency, with senior political leaders expected to attend.

A Political Career Spanning Decades

Ajit Pawar, 66, was one of the most prominent figures in Maharashtra politics. Nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, he began his political journey with the Congress before moving to the Nationalist Congress Party after its formation in 1999. Over the years, he held several key positions in the state government and served multiple terms as Deputy Chief Minister.

Known for his strong organisational skills and deep influence in rural Maharashtra, particularly in the sugar belt, Pawar built a reputation as a mass leader with a firm grip over grassroots politics. His constituency of Baramati remained his political base for decades, where he maintained a close connect with voters.

In 2023, he led a major political realignment when he broke away from his uncle’s faction of the NCP and joined the BJP-led coalition government in the state, along with a significant number of legislators. The move reshaped Maharashtra’s political equations and placed Pawar at the centre of power as Deputy Chief Minister.

Impact on Maharashtra Politics

Pawar’s sudden demise is expected to have far-reaching implications for state politics. Analysts say he was the most influential leader of his NCP faction and played a crucial role in holding together the group of legislators who had aligned with him. While the current government is not immediately under threat, questions remain about leadership and cohesion within his party faction.

There had been recent political speculation about a possible rapprochement between the two factions of the NCP led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar. With Ajit Pawar’s passing, those discussions have come to an abrupt halt, leaving the future direction of the party uncertain.

Political observers also note that beyond party lines, Pawar acted as an important link within the extended Pawar family, both politically and personally. His absence is likely to leave a vacuum that will be difficult to fill in the short term.

Details of Those Aboard

Apart from Ajit Pawar, the victims of the crash included his security officer, a flight attendant, and two members of the flight crew. Families of the deceased have been informed, and authorities are coordinating with local administration to complete identification and formalities.

Eyewitnesses near the airport reported that emergency services reached the spot swiftly and secured the area. Fire and rescue teams worked to control the situation, and access to the crash site was restricted to facilitate investigation.

Investigation Underway

Officials have reiterated that determining the cause of the crash will take time, as it involves technical analysis of aircraft systems, pilot communication, and environmental factors. The aviation regulator has assured transparency in the probe and said a comprehensive report will be made public once findings are finalised.

As Maharashtra mourns the loss of one of its most influential leaders, tributes continue to pour in from supporters, colleagues, and political rivals alike. Ajit Pawar’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in the state’s political history, leaving behind a legacy that shaped Maharashtra’s governance for decades.