Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Killed in Plane Crash Near Mumbai
Indian Political Leader Dies in Fiery Aircraft Accident
BARAMATI, India — Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed Wednesday morning when his private jet crashed during an emergency landing attempt in heavy fog near Baramati, India, aviation authorities confirmed. All five people aboard the aircraft died instantly in the crash.
The Bombardier Learjet 45, chartered from a Delhi-based aviation company, went down around the runway threshold at Baramati airport as Pawar was traveling from Mumbai to attend campaign rallies ahead of local district council elections. The crash has sent shockwaves through Indian politics and raised questions about the future of Maharashtra state’s governing coalition.
What Happened During the Crash?
The business jet, operated by VSR Aviation, crashed in a field near the airport under conditions of severely limited visibility, according to eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Witnesses described seeing the aircraft descending erratically before it slammed into the ground and erupted in flames. Multiple explosions followed, hampering rescue efforts as local residents and emergency responders rushed to the scene.
“The crew was fairly experienced,” said VK Singh, a senior official with VSR Aviation, adding that poor visibility may have been a factor. “The aircraft was 100% safe. The actual cause can only be determined after the DGCA investigation is complete.”
Victims Identified
In addition to 65-year-old Ajit Pawar, the crash claimed the lives of:
- Captain Sumit Kapoor (pilot)
- First Officer Sambhavi Pathak (co-pilot)
- Two members of Pawar’s security detail (names withheld pending family notification)
Dramatic footage from the crash site showed towering flames and thick black smoke rising from the wreckage as dozens of rescue workers, police officers, and local volunteers worked the scene.
Political Shockwaves Across India
Ajit Pawar was a major figure in Maharashtra politics — India’s second-most populous state and home to financial capital Mumbai. As deputy chief minister and leader of a faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), he wielded considerable political influence and was known as a shrewd political operator and effective administrator.
His sudden death leaves a power vacuum in Maharashtra’s complex coalition government and raises urgent questions about succession within the fractured NCP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led national tributes, posting on social media: “Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening.”
Family Members Rush to Crash Site
Upon learning of the tragedy, family members immediately traveled to Baramati, Pawar’s longtime political stronghold:
- Supriya Sule, Pawar’s cousin and a member of India’s parliament, cut short her trip to New Delhi and rushed back to Maharashtra
- Sunetra Pawar, Ajit’s wife, traveled to Baramati with their son Parth Pawar
The situation in Baramati remained tense Wednesday evening, with crowds gathering as political leaders from across India’s spectrum prepared to pay their respects.
What This Means for Maharashtra Politics
Political analysts say Ajit Pawar’s death could dramatically reshape Maharashtra’s political landscape. The NCP has been divided into two factions — one led by Ajit Pawar with 41 state legislators, and another led by his uncle, veteran politician Sharad Pawar.
Recent months had seen signs of a potential reconciliation between the feuding family members, but Ajit Pawar’s death now complicates any reunification efforts and leaves his faction without its key strategist and public face.
The broader governing coalition in Maharashtra, known as the Mahayuti alliance, may also face instability as parties jockey to fill the power vacuum left by Pawar’s absence.
Investigation Underway
The DGCA has launched a full investigation into the crash, examining factors including:
- Weather conditions and visibility at the time of landing
- Potential mechanical or technical failures
- Flight crew decision-making and procedures
- Airport equipment and guidance systems
Aviation officials urged caution against drawing premature conclusions, noting that accident investigations typically take several months to complete.
The Learjet 45, a popular midsize business jet manufactured by Bombardier, has a strong safety record, though flying in heavy fog presents significant challenges even for experienced pilots.
About Ajit Pawar
Ajit Pawar served multiple terms as a Maharashtra state legislator representing Baramati, where he was credited with significant infrastructure development over his decades-long political career. He previously served as Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister on several occasions and was known for his administrative acumen and understanding of policy matters.
His political career was not without controversy, but supporters praised his commitment to rural development and his ability to navigate Maharashtra’s intricate coalition politics.
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