Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Baramati Plane Crash; Funeral Today

Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar pays tribute to the mortal remains at Vidya Prathisthan College in Baramati, Pune

BARAMATI, PUNE — Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed when his chartered aircraft crashed near Baramati airstrip on Wednesday morning, marking a tragic end to one of the state's most influential political careers. Four others also perished in the accident.

The last rites of the 66-year-old leader will be held with full state honors at 11 a.m. Thursday at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expected to attend.

The Crash

The Bombardier Learjet 45, operated by VSR Ventures, was carrying Pawar from Mumbai to Baramati for campaign events ahead of the February 5 zilla parishad elections when it crashed at approximately 8:18 a.m. Wednesday. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the pilots attempted two landings amid poor visibility of three kilometers—below the required five-kilometer range for the airstrip.

The victims included pilots Captain Sumit Kapoor and Captain Sambhiav Pathak, flight attendant Pinki Mali from Uttar Pradesh's Jaunpur district, and Personal Security Officer Vidip Jadhav, a Thane resident survived by two young children.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a forensic probe into the accident. Police registered an accidental death report, which will be handed over to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department for investigation based on the AAIB's findings.

Safety Concerns

The crash has raised questions about the Baramati airstrip, which despite frequent VIP traffic, is primarily used for flight training and lacks navigational aids and a dedicated meteorologist. Air traffic control support is provided by students or instructors from local flying schools rather than professional ATC personnel.

Political Legacy

Ajit Pawar, nephew of Nationalist Congress Party founder Sharad Pawar, represented Baramati for eight consecutive terms. His political career was marked by drama and controversy, including a dramatic split from his uncle's party in 2023 when he joined the ruling alliance.

He is survived by his mother Ashatai Pawar, wife and Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar, and sons Parth and Jay. Known for his rustic comments and straight talk, Pawar maintained a disciplined public life and was regarded as a hardworking administrator with a strong grip on legislative matters.

Mourning and Tributes

The Maharashtra government announced a three-day period of state mourning. Baramati's streets filled with mourners Wednesday evening as Pawar's mortal remains were brought to Vidya Pratishthan, with shops shuttered and heavy police deployment to manage crowds.

NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar called his nephew's death "a big shock" and an "irreparable loss" for Maharashtra, while dismissing suggestions of foul play. "It was an accident. I request not to bring politics into it," he said, responding to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's call for a Supreme Court probe.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray praised Pawar's work ethic and described him as having "a warm and affectionate nature" with a "strong grip on legislative administration."

The funeral procession will begin at 9 a.m. from the Vidya Pratishthan campus, passing through Baramati to allow residents to pay their final respects before the 11 a.m. funeral ceremony. Leaders across the political spectrum are expected to attend, reflecting Pawar's significant influence in Maharashtra politics.