Tragedy Strikes as Indian Politician Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash

Thu Jan 29 2026 16:57:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, tragically lost his life in a plane crash that also claimed the lives of four others. Prime Minister Modi and various political figures pay tribute to the impactful leader.

Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash in Baramati, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The crash, which occurred during poor visibility conditions, has raised questions about aviation safety in the region. Pawar was a prominent figure in Maharashtra's politics and his death leaves a significant void.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has led tributes to Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra state, who was killed in a tragic plane crash in the west of the country.

Pawar, along with four others, died after the chartered plane they were on crashed at the airport in Baramati– his own constituency – on Wednesday morning. The aviation minister noted that visibility at the time of the crash was poor, and an investigation has been launched by the aviation regulator.

Modi described Pawar's death as 'shocking and saddening’, praising his dedication and service to the people of Maharashtra. Pawar's funeral is scheduled for Thursday morning.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis characterized the incident as 'an immeasurable loss' and declared three days of mourning in the state. This tragic event has caught the attention of many political figures, including opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who also honored Pawar's contributions.

Ajit Pawar was known as one of Maharashtra's most influential politicians, governing in coalition with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). At 66, he was affectionately referred to as 'dada', a term indicating elder brother, reflecting his deep ties with party workers and the public.

Sanjay Raut, from the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) party, expressed profound sadness, stating that 'without Dada, the political landscape of Maharashtra is incomplete.' In recent years, Pawar had navigated many political changes, including a dramatic coalition shift, which showcased his strategic prowess.

At the time of the crash, Pawar was reportedly en route to address public meetings concerning upcoming local elections. The aircraft involved was a Bombardier Learjet 45, known for VIP travel. According to reports, after several failed landing attempts, the aircraft exploded into flames upon finally receiving clearance.

The impact of Pawar's death will likely ripple throughout the political landscape of Maharashtra, creating a significant void in his party and raising questions about future alliances and stability within the ruling coalition. His death also echoes concerns regarding aviation safety in the region.