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A Heartbreaking Day For Maharashtra

January 28, 2026, began as a routine day in Maharashtra’s political calendar, but it quickly turned into one of profound sorrow.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a towering figure in Indian politics, lost his life in a devastating plane crash near Baramati.

All five people on board perished, sending shockwaves through the state and the nation.

Remembering Ajit Pawar: A Leader Rooted In Service

Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was much more than a politician; he was a hands-on leader who shaped modern Maharashtra.

As Deputy Chief Minister, he handled key portfolios like finance and planning, with a special focus on irrigation and rural development.

Coming from the influential Pawar family (nephew of Sharad Pawar), he built his own legacy through decisive actions and a deep connection with Baramati, his hometown constituency.

Known for his no-nonsense style and ability to work across party lines, Ajit Pawar led his faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) after the 2023 split.

His sudden passing leaves a massive void in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

The Incident: What We Know So Far

The crash happened on the morning of January 28, 2026.

Ajit Pawar was flying from Mumbai to Baramati on a chartered Bombardier Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) to attend public meetings for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.

The flight departed Mumbai around 8:10 AM and seemed normal until landing at Baramati’s small airstrip.

Reports indicate the plane made one approach, went around for a second attempt amid possible poor visibility, and then veered off the runway around 8:45 AM.

It crashed shortly before the threshold, bursting into flames.

CCTV footage from the site captured the heartbreaking moment, showing the aircraft crash-landing and bursting into flames.

Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the intense blaze left no chance for survivors.

Victims Of The Tragedy

This accident claimed five lives, including dedicated crew and security personnel.

Here is an overview:

Name	Role/Position	Details
Ajit Pawar	Passenger / Deputy CM	Prominent NCP leader from Maharashtra
Captain Sumit Kapoor	Pilot-in-Command	Highly experienced aviator
Captain Shambhavi Pathak	Co-Pilot	Skilled pilot trained internationally
Vidhit Jadhav	Personal Security Officer (PSO)	Part of Ajit Pawar’s security detail
Pinky Mali	Flight Attendant	Crew member ensuring passenger safety

Our hearts go out to their families during this tough time.

The Aircraft: Background And History

The Learjet 45 is a reliable mid-size business jet popular for charter flights, known for its speed and efficiency.

This specific plane (VT-SSK), about 16-20 years old, had a prior incident in September 2023 when it skidded off a rainy runway in Mumbai, but fortunately, no injuries occurred.

Interesting Trivia

The same aircraft survived a runway excursion in heavy rain back in 2023, raising questions about recurring challenges with wet or low-visibility conditions. Aviation experts often stress how even minor past events can highlight the need for extra caution.

Ongoing Investigation

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe, with teams on-site collecting evidence.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is assisting.

Early reports mention the pilot was warned about poor visibility before the second landing attempt.

Factors like weather, mechanical issues, and runway conditions will be thoroughly examined.

No cause has been determined yet; complete investigations take months to provide definitive answers.

Nationwide Reactions And Mourning

The news prompted an outpouring of grief from all corners:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it as “heart-wrenching” and highlighted Ajit Pawar’s contributions to public service.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced three days of state mourning (January 28-30), with flags at half-mast and the cancellation of official programs. Some reports also mention a public holiday.
Leaders across parties, including Rahul Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee (who called for a Supreme Court-monitored probe), expressed condolences.
Supporters gathered in large numbers outside hospitals and party offices, while spontaneous shutdowns occurred in several areas.

Politics took a backseat as the nation united in sorrow.