NCP Plunges into Grief as Party Members Break Down Over Ajit Pawar’s Death
Emotional scenes unfold in NCP offices after Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s tragic plane crash demise.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is in deep mourning following the sudden death of its chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a devastating plane crash on January 28, 2026. Pawar, along with four others including the pilots and his security personnel, perished when their chartered aircraft from Mumbai crash-landed near Baramati airport around 8:50 am, erupting into flames and leaving no survivors, as confirmed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Heart-wrenching visuals from NCP offices captured party workers and leaders breaking down in tears upon hearing the news. Several members were seen struggling to hold back emotions, consoling one another as shock and sorrow swept through the ranks. The scenes underscored the profound personal impact Ajit Pawar—affectionately called ‘Dada’—had on his party colleagues, many of whom had worked closely with him for years in building the NCP’s influence in Maharashtra.
NCP MP Praful Patel, visibly shaken, expressed his devastation, saying he was in shock and had “no words” to describe the loss. Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum, with leaders rushing to offer support. In Delhi, several politicians headed to the residence of NCP founder Sharad Pawar to express solidarity with the family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah contacted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to inquire about the incident and convey their grief.
Also Read: Eknath Shinde Mourns Ajit Pawar "Straightforward and Fearless Leader"
Ajit Pawar had dramatically reshaped the NCP’s trajectory in 2023 by leading a faction away from his uncle Sharad Pawar and aligning with the BJP-Shiv Sena Mahayuti alliance, eventually assuming the role of Deputy Chief Minister. His pragmatic style, administrative skills, and deep roots in Baramati made him a central figure in state politics. The crash, occurring as he traveled for election campaigning, has left a massive void in Maharashtra’s ruling coalition and the broader political landscape.
As tributes continue and investigations into the crash begin, the NCP and its supporters grapple with the irreplaceable loss of a leader who was both a bold strategist and a grassroots connect for the party.
Also Read: What Caused Ajit Pawar's Fatal Learjet Crash Near Baramati Airport?
