In a shocking tragedy that has stunned Maharashtra’s political landscape, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with five others, perished in a devastating plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday morning. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has officially confirmed the deaths of all six individuals on board.
Ajit Pawar was en route from Mumbai to Baramati to address a public rally amid ongoing district council and panchayat committee elections. The ill-fated aircraft, carrying the seasoned politician, two crew members, and three other passengers, lost control during its landing approach at a local airstrip around 9 AM. Eyewitnesses reported the plane veering off the runway, crashing into the ground, and erupting into flames.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene, battling thick smoke and intense fire. Harrowing images from the site showed twisted wreckage scattered across the field, ambulances ferrying the injured—though tragically, no survivors emerged. Pune’s police superintendent confirmed that three bodies were transported to Baramati Medical College for post-mortem examinations.
A DGCA investigation team has arrived at the crash site, joined by emergency services and senior security officials. Preliminary reports suggest a possible landing gear failure or adverse weather contributed to the mishap, though the black box analysis will provide clarity.
Ajit Pawar, 66, was a towering figure in Maharashtra politics, nephew of NCP founder Sharad Pawar, and president of the Nationalist Congress Party. Serving as Deputy CM in the Mahayuti government under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, his sudden demise leaves a massive void. NCP leaders like Praful Patel and Supriya Sule, along with Pawar’s family—including wife Sunetra and son Parth—were in Delhi but have rushed to Baramati.
Tributes are pouring in from across the spectrum, with political activities halted. The state mourns the loss of a key architect of its governance, as investigations continue to unravel the cause of this heartbreaking accident.
