Ajit Pawar Passes Away: Learjet Crash Claims Deputy CM and Four Others

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tragically died in an aircraft crash near Baramati airport on Wednesday, officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed. The Learjet 45, operated by VSR Aviation, was carrying five people—Pawar, two personnel, and two crew members—all of whom perished in the crash.

The aircraft had departed from Mumbai around 8 AM and crashed approximately an hour later while attempting to land in Baramati. Reports indicate that Pawar was scheduled to attend four key public meetings ahead of the local body elections. Visuals from the crash site showed fire, smoke, and the mangled remains of the aircraft, with emergency services rushing to respond.

Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was the nephew of NCP founder Sharad Pawar, who is currently in Delhi for Parliament’s budget session. Sharad Pawar, along with Lok Sabha MP Spuriya Sule, plans to travel to Pune following the incident.

Also Read: Fadnavis Says NCP Factions’ Reunion Cannot Be Ruled Out in Maharashtra Politics

Maharashtra Congress leader Dr. Nitin Raut expressed shock and raised concerns about possible sabotage, urging a thorough investigation. He also highlighted the risks associated with the frequent use of helicopters and small aircraft by political leaders to cover multiple locations in a single day.

Ajit Pawar had led a split in the NCP in 2023, forming his own faction while Sharad Pawar headed the other. He later joined the NDA government as Deputy Chief Minister. Recent developments had hinted at a possible NCP reunion, as both factions contested the latest Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections together.

Also Read: Ajit Pawar Dismisses Speculation on Supriya Sule Joining BJP: ‘I’m Not an Astrologer’