BB Desk
The state is mourning the loss of one of its most formidable leaders, Ajit Pawar, whose sudden passing in a devastating plane crash has left millions of his admirers shattered and grieving. A stratospheric figure in Maharashtra’s political landscape, Pawar was not only a strategist and administrator, but also a son of the soil — passionately committed to public service and the welfare of the people.
Born into a family deeply rooted in public life, Pawar’s journey was marked by grit, vision, and an unwavering connection to the people he served. Over the years, he became an integral force in Maharashtra’s governance — deftly balancing fiscal responsibility, infrastructure development, and grassroots engagement. As a leader, he sought to uplift communities across the state, and his stewardship left an indelible mark on Maharashtra’s socio-economic fabric.
While campaigning for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections, Pawar embarked on what would be his final journey — a flight from Mumbai to Baramati on Wednesday morning. It was a flight imbued with purpose: to connect with the people, to listen, and to lead. But fate had a tragic turn in store.
In the early hours, the chartered Bombardier Learjet 45 carrying him attempted to land at Baramati Airport. However, during its approach, the aircraft crashed and erupted in flames, leaving no survivors among the five people on board, including Pawar and his close aides. Local eyewitnesses described the crash as a horrifying scene of explosions and fire, a reminder of how sudden and cruel such tragedy can be.
Pawar’s death shocks not just Maharashtra but leaders across the party lines who have expressed profound sorrow, highlighting his dedication to public service and ability to reach across divides for the betterment of his state. In Baramati — a constituency he always held close to his heart — the grief runs deep because he was deeply loved and revered by people.
Pawar’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, the policies he shaped, and the vision he held for a stronger, more inclusive Maharashtra. Though he is no longer with us, the echoes of his commitment to the people will continue to inspire generations and light the path forward.
Timeline of the tragic crash that killed Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, on 28 January 2026:
- 7:00 AM IST – A chartered Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) operated by VSR Aviation departs from Mumbai airport with five people on board, including Ajit Pawar, two security staff, and two pilots, en route to Baramati for election-related meetings
- 8:18 AM IST – The aircraft makes contact with Baramati’s airfield and begins its descent. Pilots report initial difficulty in visualizing the runway.
- Between 8:30–8:35 AM IST – The jet conducts an initial go-around after failing to see the runway clearly due to poor visibility
- Between 8:43–8:45 AM IST – The aircraft initiates a second landing attempt on Runway 11 at Baramati. It does not respond to a final landing clearance read-back and shortly thereafter veers off course.
- 8:45 AM IST – The Learjet crash-lands near the runway threshold, bursts into flames, and undergoes multiple explosions. All five occupants, including Ajit Pawar, are killed; the aircraft is destroyed
- Post Crash – Emergency teams, police, and aviation authorities arrive at the wreckage site. The DGCA confirms the deaths and orders an investigation. A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is dispatched to analyse the crash.
