Tragedy Strikes as Indian Politician Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash

Tue Feb 03 2026 15:22:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, has tragically lost his life in a plane crash that also claimed the lives of four others. The incident has shocked the nation as tributes pour in from leaders across India.

India mourns the loss of Ajit Pawar, a prominent political figure, who died in a plane crash in Baramati. The crash, attributed to poor visibility during landing, has left a notable void in Maharashtra's political landscape as tributes come pouring in from various leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Tragedy Strikes as Indian Politician Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash

India's prime minister has led tributes to Ajit Pawar, deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, who has been killed in a plane crash in the west of the country.

Pawar and four others died after the chartered plane they were travelling in crashed at Baramati airport - Pawar's constituency - on Wednesday morning.

India's civil aviation minister has reported that visibility was poor at the airport at the time of the crash, and an investigation has been initiated by the aviation regulator.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Pawar's death shocking and saddening, praising his service to the people of Maharashtra. His funeral is scheduled for Thursday morning.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described Pawar's passing as an immeasurable loss and has announced three days of mourning in the state.

Pawar, 66, was a pivotal figure in Maharashtra's political scene, long aligned with India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His affectionate nickname 'dada' reflects his prominence and respect among voters and party members.

Many leaders expressed their condolences, including Sanjay Raut from the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), who labeled the day dark and emphasized the void left in Maharashtra's political landscape.

Pawar was known for his grassroots political connections, having started as a member of the Nationalist Congress Party founded by his uncle, Sharad Pawar. He was a significant political leader who held the role of deputy chief minister multiple times.

His last moments were spent traveling to Baramati to address local elections when the small Bombardier Learjet 45 crashed during landing attempts. The aviation ministry has confirmed the aircraft's tragic ending with flames reported shortly after approval from Air Traffic Control.

With his death, Maharashtra faces uncertainty and a lack of leadership that may significantly impact the region's political stability, given he was a strong voice and negotiator within the state’s ruling coalition.