The Indian state of Maharashtra is reeling from shocking news as Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister and a towering figure in regional politics, lost his life in a devastating plane crash on January 28, 2026. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the political corridors of India, triggering deep grief, tributes from leaders across party lines, and urgent questions about the future of Maharashtra’s political landscape.

The Fatal Plane Crash: What Happened?

Ajit Pawar was aboard a Learjet 45 aircraft when it crashed near Baramati in Pune district while attempting to land. The flight originated from Mumbai and was part of Pawar’s campaign schedule ahead of local elections. Unfortunately, poor visibility and challenging landing conditions contributed to the tragedy, and none of the five people on board survived—including the seasoned politician, two of his staff, and the aircraft’s two crew members.

Video footage and early timelines from investigators show that the plane made contact with Baramati around 8:18 am, and in the final minutes efforts by the crew to establish a stable landing were unsuccessful. Authorities are now probing the incident closely to determine the causes and to improve aviation safety for public figures and civilian flights alike.

State Honors and Mourning Across the Nation

Following the tragic accident, Maharashtra has entered a period of intense mourning. Ajit Pawar’s body was brought to his hometown of Baramati, where thousands of supporters, political figures, and ordinary citizens gathered to pay their respects. The atmosphere was emotional and somber as his mortal remains were taken to the Vidya Pratishtan ground—a prestigious educational institution linked to the Pawar family—ahead of his funeral.

The funeral arrangements have been conducted with full state honors, marking his significant contributions to the state’s development over decades. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and key leaders from across India’s political spectrum were reported to attend the final rites—a testament to Pawar’s stature and influence.

Political Leaders and Public Figures Express Condolences

Following news of his death, an outpouring of condolences came from political leaders nationwide. Figures such as Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, AAP’s Isudan Gadhvi, and Congress leaders offered heartfelt tributes, highlighting Pawar’s role as an effective public servant and statesman.

Even members of civil society and Bollywood celebrities took to social media to express sorrow. Well-known actors like Riteish Deshmukh, Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty, and others mourned the Deputy CM’s passing, illustrating how Pawar’s impact transcended politics and touched ordinary lives.

No Politics Around the Tragedy, Says Sharad Pawar

In the immediate aftermath, veteran leader Sharad Pawar—Ajit Pawar’s uncle and head of the Nationalist Congress Party (SP)—strongly emphasized that this was a tragic accident and not a politically motivated event. He urged the public and media not to politicize the incident, highlighting that Maharashtra had lost a capable leader and that it was important to respect the gravity of the situation without needless conjecture.

A Legacy Etched in Maharashtra Politics

Ajit Pawar’s political career spanned more than three decades. Elected repeatedly from Baramati, his influence extended beyond his constituency into the broader governance and policy direction of Maharashtra. Known for his tireless work ethic—often putting in 16-17 hour days, engaging directly with citizens, and championing infrastructural development—he was a formidable political force.

Initially aligned with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), he was instrumental in shaping the party’s regional strategy and coalition partnerships. His strategic acumen saw him serve as Deputy Chief Minister under different administrations and navigate complex alliances with various political factions.

Impact on Maharashtra’s Political Landscape

The sudden loss of Ajit Pawar has created a significant leadership vacuum in Maharashtra. Analysts believe his absence will not only affect the individual constituencies he represented but will also reverberate across the state’s political equilibrium. The ruling Mahayuti alliance, which included Pawar’s faction, now faces uncertainty about how to proceed in upcoming elections and governance decisions.

In particular, Pawar played a crucial role as a stabilizing figure among coalition partners, and his departure might shift dynamics between major players like Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, further influencing the state’s political narrative.

Future of NCP and Succession Questions

With Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise, questions are emerging about the future leadership of his party faction. While some political observers have pointed to his wife, Sunetra Pawar, as a possible successor due to her proximity to the party’s leadership circle and growing public sympathy, internal dynamics remain fluid and a concrete successor is yet to be confirmed.

This uncertainty is likely to create both challenges and opportunities for various alliances and opposition parties, especially as Maharashtra steers toward future elections.

Development Work and Public Initiatives

Throughout his political career, Pawar championed major projects across Maharashtra. His work included significant infrastructure development, urban enhancement programs, and efforts to bolster industrial growth in key districts such as Pimpri-Chinchwad and Baramati. These areas saw notable progress under his leadership, credited to his hands-on governance style and attention to local concerns.

Such contributions ensured that he remained a respected leader whose influence extended far beyond electoral victories to tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Broader Reactions from Across India

Nationally, Pawar’s death has been met with shock and sadness across party lines. Leaders from diverse political backgrounds—from the BJP, Congress, AAP, and regional parties—expressed grief over the loss of a senior statesman. Many emphasized that his absence will be deeply felt not just in Maharashtra but across India’s political landscape.

This unified expression of sorrow underscores the fact that Ajit Pawar was more than a regional politician; he was a figure whose leadership and service left a lasting imprint on Indian public life.

Final Thoughts: Remembering a Leader

The news of Ajit Pawar’s death in a tragic air crash marks a somber chapter in Maharashtra’s history. As the state mourns, questions about leadership, governance, and political direction now come to the fore. Pawar’s legacy is one of deep political engagement, development focus, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

While Maharashtra grieves today, the full impact of this loss will shape political debates and decisions in the months and years ahead. The state and its people will remember Ajit Pawar not just as a politician, but as a leader whose influence helped define an era of change and transformation.