India woke up to shocking and heartbreaking news on Wednesday as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar lost his life in a tragic plane crash near Baramati in Pune district. The fatal accident also claimed the lives of four others, including the pilot, co-pilot, a personal security officer, and an aide traveling with him.
According to preliminary information released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the small charter aircraft, a Learjet 45 operated by a Delhi-based company, was attempting to land at Baramati airport when it met with the accident. The flight had taken off from Mumbai early in the morning and was scheduled to reach Baramati for a series of public meetings ahead of upcoming local body elections.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick smoke and flames near the crash site as emergency services rushed to the spot. Rescue teams, fire brigades, and police personnel immediately cordoned off the area and began search and recovery operations. Unfortunately, all five people on board were declared dead, making it one of the most tragic aviation incidents involving a senior political leader in recent years.
Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was one of the most influential figures in Maharashtra politics. Popularly known as “Dada” among supporters, he had a political career spanning more than three decades. He was the nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar and the cousin of Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule. Over the years, Ajit Pawar built a strong base in western Maharashtra, particularly in Baramati, which remained his political stronghold.
He began his political journey in the early 1990s and quickly rose through the ranks, winning multiple elections and holding key ministerial portfolios. Known for his administrative experience and sharp political instincts, he served as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra several times under different governments. In 2023, his dramatic move to split the NCP and align with the NDA reshaped the state’s political landscape and made national headlines.
At the time of the crash, Ajit Pawar was on his way to attend a major rally and several developmental review meetings in Baramati. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum, with leaders from all parties expressing deep sorrow and paying tribute to his contribution to public life.
The Pawar family, including Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, were reportedly in Delhi for parliamentary proceedings when news of the tragedy broke. They are expected to return to Maharashtra immediately. Party workers and supporters have begun gathering in large numbers in Baramati and Pune, mourning the loss of a leader they considered both a mass politician and a strong administrator.
Aviation experts say that the DGCA has ordered a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash. Technical failure, weather conditions, and landing approach issues are among the factors that will be examined. The black box data and cockpit voice recordings, if recovered, are expected to provide crucial clues about what went wrong during the final moments of the flight.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of small charter aircraft used by political leaders and corporate executives in India. While such aircraft save time and offer flexibility, experts stress the need for strict maintenance checks and adherence to safety protocols, especially during landing at smaller airstrips.
Ajit Pawar’s political journey was marked by ambition, resilience, and bold decisions. He often spoke about his vision for Maharashtra’s development, focusing on irrigation, infrastructure, and rural growth. His passing leaves a major void in state politics and within the Nationalist Congress Party, which now faces an uncertain future without one of its most powerful leaders.
As Maharashtra and the nation come to terms with this sudden loss, tributes continue to pour in from across the country. The tragic Baramati plane crash will be remembered not only as a devastating aviation accident but also as the day India lost a prominent leader who played a decisive role in shaping modern Maharashtra’s political history.
By
