📌 Key Updates
❌ The Fatal Accident: What We Know So Far
The tragedy occurred around 8:45 AM when the Learjet 45 aircraft, carrying Pawar and four others, went down while attempting to land at the Baramati airfield.
✈️ Flight Details
- 📅 Aircraft: Learjet 45 (Registration VT-SSK)
- 🛫 Operator: VSR Ventures
- 📍 Route: Mumbai (8:10 AM) to Baramati
- ⚠️ Cause: Preliminary reports suggest poor visibility and a technical glitch during the second landing attempt.
Visuals from the crash site in Baramati.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the DGCA have launched a forensic probe to determine the exact cause of the crash.
👥 Casualties & Identification
All five individuals on board perished in the accident:
- Ajit Pawar (Deputy Chief Minister)
- Personal Security Officer (PSO)
- Personal Attendant
- Two Crew Members (Pilot-in-Command and First Officer)
🏴 Maharashtra Declares 3-Day Mourning
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced three days of state mourning across Maharashtra as a mark of respect.
State Directives
- Public Holiday: Wednesday (Today) was declared a state holiday.
- Closures: Educational institutions and several public sector banks in Mumbai and Pune will remain closed through the mourning period.
- State Funeral: The last rites will be performed with full state honors.
📅 Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM
📍 Venue: Vidya Pratishthan, Baramati
💐 Tributes Pour In: "An Irreparable Loss"
Political leaders across party lines have expressed their deep sorrow.
"Ajit Dada was a hardworking leader and a strong friend. His contribution to Maharashtra's development is immense. For me personally, this is a loss that cannot be put into words."
– Devendra Fadnavis, CM of Maharashtra
Sharad Pawar, the veteran leader and Ajit's uncle, urged the public not to politicize the tragedy, stating, "It is purely an accident. Maharashtra has lost a capable leader today." Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed their condolences to the Pawar family.
A life dedicated to public service.
🌟 The Legacy of "Ajit Dada"
Ajit Pawar was a towering figure in Maharashtra politics, known for his administrative "grip" and direct working style.
- Record Holder: He served as the Deputy CM of Maharashtra a record six times.
- Power Broker: From his early days in 1982 to leading a major split in the NCP in 2023, he remained at the center of the state's power dynamics.
- Baramati's Son: His political fortress, Baramati, is expected to see a sea of supporters as the region prepares for his final journey.
❓ Who Will Lead the NCP Now?
The sudden demise leaves a massive political vacuum within the NCP. While the party mourns, questions regarding succession and the leadership of the "real" NCP will likely dominate the political discourse in the coming weeks, especially with the state heading toward Zilla Parishad elections.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Ajit Pawar's plane crash happen?
A: The tragic accident occurred on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at approximately 8:45 AM.
Q: Where is Ajit Pawar's funeral?
A: The state funeral will be held at Vidya Pratishthan, Baramati on Thursday, January 29, at 11:00 AM.
Q: Is there a holiday declared in Maharashtra?
A: Yes, the state government has declared a 3-day state mourning period, and Wednesday was observed as a public holiday.