Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar, four others killed after plane crash in Baramati

Mangalore Today News Network

Pune, January 28, 2026: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Ajit Pawar and four others were killed on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) after an aircraft carrying them crash landed in Baramati in Pune district. 

The incident occurred when the plane made an attempt to land in Baramati, killing everyone on board, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The aircraft is a Learjet 45 belonging to Delhi-based charter company VSR, the aviation regulatory body said.

All on board the aircraft, including Mr. Pawar, his attendant, a PSO, the pilot, and the co-pilot were declared dead.

Mr. Pawar had left from Mumbai in the morning to take part in a rally in Baramati.

Mr. Pawar emerged as a prominent figure in Maharashtra’s political landscape over the past four decade. Affectionately known as Dada (elder brother in Marathi) among his supporters, Mr. Ajit Pawar cut his teeth in politics at the grassroots level under the shadow of his uncle in the 1980s. He tasted his first electoral success in 1991, winning the Baramati Lok Sabha seat.

Despite his meteoric rise in State politics, following in the footsteps of his uncle Sharad Pawar, Mr. Ajit Pawar revolted against him to join hands with the BJP to become the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. His action virtually split the NCP into two. The five-time Deputy Chief Minister under various Chief Ministers, once said: “I want to become Chief Minister one day and implement my own plans for the people’s welfare.” But the plane crash cut his life short.