Newsroom, January 28, 2026: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar perished in a plane crash in Baramati, Pune district, early Wednesday. The chartered aircraft, en route from Mumbai, crashed near the runway threshold around 8:48 am while attempting to land. Authorities confirm no survivors among the six people aboard, including Pawar, two security staff, and two crew members.Pawar, 66, was traveling to address public meetings ahead of upcoming Zilla Parishad polls in his home turf.
The crash triggered immediate emergency response, with bodies recovered and taken to hospital. Political leaders across parties expressed shock and condolences, highlighting Pawar's long career in Maharashtra politics. Investigations into the cause, including possible technical failure, are underway.
This loss shakes Maharashtra's ruling coalition and NCP dynamics at a key electoral moment. It raises questions on aviation safety for VIP travel and may prompt reviews of protocols in the state.
