Air Charter Crash in Maharashtra Kills Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

India’s political landscape was rocked on Wednesday after a charter aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed in the western state, killing all five people on board. Authorities confirmed that the aircraft went down in flames while attempting an emergency landing, marking one of the most tragic aviation-linked political deaths in recent years.

According to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), no survivors were found at the crash site. Along with Ajit Pawar, two members of his staff and two crew members were killed in the incident.

Crash Near Baramati During Election Campaign

The aircraft had departed from Mumbai and was headed to Baramati, Ajit Pawar’s political stronghold, where he was scheduled to campaign for local body elections. Media reports said the jet attempted to make an emergency landing before crashing in an open field near the airport.

Footage aired by local television channels showed thick plumes of smoke rising from burning wreckage scattered across farmland. Eyewitnesses described a massive explosion on impact, followed by multiple secondary blasts as the aircraft caught fire.

Flight-tracking data cited by Indian media indicated the aircraft was attempting a second approach to Baramati airport when it went down at approximately 8:45 a.m. local time.

Cause of the Accident Under Investigation

The DGCA has launched a formal investigation into the crash, though the exact cause has not yet been confirmed. Officials said preliminary findings suggest technical difficulties during landing, but stressed that it was too early to draw conclusions.

The aircraft was identified as a Learjet 45 operated by a private charter company. Aviation experts say investigators will examine flight data, weather conditions, and maintenance records in the coming days.

Indian media reporting the crash of a business jet this morning has claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and 4 others. The aircraft was attempting a second approach to Baramati Airport when it crashed. https://t.co/0RKiD9sZVU pic.twitter.com/1kcoWgc3I1

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) January 28, 2026

Ajit Pawar: A Controversial Political Figure

Ajit Pawar was among Maharashtra’s most controversial politicians and hailed from one of the state’s most prominent political families. Nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, he played a central role in Maharashtra politics for decades, including in many controversial situations and scams.

In 2023, Ajit Pawar led a dramatic split from the opposition Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), forming a faction that aligned with Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form the state government. His move reshaped Maharashtra’s political balance and cemented his position as deputy chief minister in India’s wealthiest state.

Known for his administrative grip and grassroots influence in western Maharashtra, Pawar was actively campaigning at the time of his death, underscoring the suddenness of the tragedy.

Leaders React With Shock and Grief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, calling Pawar’s death “very shocking and saddening.” In a message posted on X, Modi described him as a “hardworking personality” with deep knowledge of governance and a commitment to empowering the poor and disadvantaged.

Political leaders across party lines echoed similar sentiments, with tributes pouring in from allies and rivals alike as Maharashtra declared a period of mourning.

The death of Ajit Pawar is tragic, but whether it leaves a vacuum in Maharashtra’s political leadership is yet to be seen, and raises urgent questions about aviation safety for senior public officials. As investigators work to determine what went wrong, the tragedy has cast a sombre shadow over the state’s ongoing election season.