Is Ajit Pawar dead? The question that gripped the nation this morning has been met with a painful confirmation. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar has died after his chartered plane crashed at the Baramati Airport on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. This sudden tragedy has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of India, marking the end of a prolific four-decade career.

Detailed Report: What Happened at Baramati Airport?

On the morning of January 28, Ajit Pawar left his Mumbai residence to visit Baramati, his home constituency, to address public meetings ahead of the Zilla Parishad polls. The aircraft, a chartered Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK), was scheduled to land at Baramati Airport around 8:40 AM.

Eyewitnesses at the scene described a horrifying sight. The plane reportedly appeared unstable during its final approach, veered off the runway threshold, and immediately exploded upon impact. Thick black smoke could be seen for miles. Local residents and emergency responders rushed to the site, but the intensity of the fire prevented any immediate rescue.

The Flight Manifest

The DGCA confirmed that there were five people on board the ill-fated flight. There are no survivors.

State and National Reactions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have spoken with Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to express their condolences. Across the political aisle, leaders have expressed shock at the sudden loss. Sharad Pawar and family members, including Supriya Sule, have reportedly left for Baramati to oversee the final arrangements.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi described the event as "heart-rending," while leaders from the Mahayuti alliance have suspended all political activities for the next three days.

The Legacy of "Ajit Dada": A Political Titan

Ajit Pawar, affectionately known as Ajit Dada, was born on July 22, 1959. He was the nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar and carved out his own distinct identity as a relentless administrator and a master of the state budget. Having served as Deputy CM multiple times, he was known for his "Baramati Model" of development.

Career Highlights at a Glance

• 1991–2026: Uninterrupted representative of the Baramati Assembly constituency.
• Finance Wizard: Served as Maharashtra's Finance Minister for several years, presenting record-breaking budgets.
• Strategic Leader: Instrumental in the formation and stability of various state governments over the last two decades.

The Future of NCP and Maharashtra Politics

The death of Ajit Pawar leaves a massive power vacuum in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the current state government. As the primary strategist for his faction, his absence will significantly alter the upcoming electoral dynamics in Western Maharashtra. Discussions regarding succession will likely focus on his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and his son, Parth Pawar, though the state currently remains in a period of mourning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Was Ajit Pawar alone on the plane?

No, he was accompanied by four others—two staff members and two pilots. All five perished in the crash.

Where did the plane crash take place?

The crash occurred at the threshold of the runway at Baramati Airport in Pune district, Maharashtra.

Is the DGCA investigating the crash?

Yes, a high-level team from the DGCA is heading to Baramati to investigate the technical cause of the Learjet 45 crash.