Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar dies in horrific plane crash in Baramati

Mumbai, Jan 28: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, along with four others, was killed when a plane carrying them crash-landed at Baramati Airport on Wednesday morning, DGCA officials confirmed.

The aircraft, a Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR Aviation, went down while attempting to land at the Baramati airstrip around 8:45 AM IST.

On board were Ajit Pawar, a personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members. Initial reports indicate that none of the five people survived the crash.

Locals witnessed the incident, and emergency teams, including ambulances and senior police officials, rushed to the site. The cause of the crash, as well as the extent of damage to the aircraft, is still under investigation.

Ajit Pawar was scheduled to attend multiple public engagements in Baramati, including rallies for the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. On Tuesday, he attended a meeting of the Maharashtra Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure in Mumbai, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and other officials.

The crash has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra, with leaders and citizens expressing grief over the loss of the Deputy Chief Minister.

Ajit Pawar, born on 22nd July 1959 at Deolali Pravara in Rahuri taluka of Ahmednagar district, was a prominent political leader in Maharashtra, known for his dedication and dynamic leadership.

He has served as Deputy Chief Minister four times and has held critical positions as MP, MLA, and Minister of State for various departments. Ajit Pawar is widely respected for his commitment to public service, accessibility through Janata Darbars, and a vision for long-term development of the state.

Famed for his punctuality, frankness, and empathy toward the people of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar is affectionately called “Dada” by the public.

Over the last three decades, his work in social, political, and economic development has shaped Maharashtra’s growth, from farmers’ welfare to industrial and infrastructural development.