Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was among six people who died when a Learjet 45 aircraft crashed in Pune district on Wednesday morning. Officials said the plane, registered VT-SSK and operated by VSR, went down while attempting to land in the Baramati area.
The aircraft was carrying five passengers and two crew members. Along with Pawar were his personal security officer (PSO), an attendant, and the pilot in command and first officer. According to early reports, all six people on board were killed in the accident.
Pawar was travelling to Baramati for a series of four public meetings ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections when the crash occurred.
Crash happened during landing
Baramati airport manager Shivaji Taware confirmed that the Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) was trying to land when the crash took place. The airport, recently transferred to the Maharashtra Airport Development Company, is run by a private operator.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. Initial information is limited, and officials have not yet released a full explanation.
Pawar’s aide, Kiran Gujar, said that all six victims were brought to the local hospital dead.
Leaders across India express condolences
News of Pawar’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from political leaders nationwide. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed their condolences.
Opposition leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi also extended their sympathies. Other state leaders, including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, conveyed their sorrow over the loss.
Pawar’s long political career
Ajit Pawar was one of Maharashtra’s most experienced leaders and held the position of Deputy Chief Minister multiple times. He served in six separate terms under different administrations, including those led by Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde.
He was a senior figure in the Nationalist Congress Party and played a key role in the state’s politics. His sudden death has deeply affected both his party and the wider political community.
State in mourning as investigation continues
Authorities and rescue teams responded quickly to the scene, but all victims had already died by the time they were recovered. The tragedy has left Maharashtra in deep mourning and reminded many of the dangers that can accompany air travel, even for experienced officials.
Pawar had been actively involved in campaigning for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections, and his planned engagements made the timing of the crash especially significant for voters and party workers in the region.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other aviation authorities are investigating the crash. Detailed reports are expected to be released in the coming days.
Personal and political loss
Ajit Pawar’s death is being felt not only as a major political loss but also as a personal tragedy for his family, colleagues, and supporters. His absence will leave a lasting impact on Maharashtra’s political landscape.