On the morning of January 28, 2026 shall remain a black day in Maharashtra’s political history. Nation is mourning the loss of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar who died in a plane crash at Baramati. As news of the tragedy spread, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned Vajpayee’s death, saying the leader was a “true son of the soil” and a soldier who never severed his roots from serving the people until his last breath.
The Prime Minister was both visibly and emotionally upset over the sudden loss of a colleague, who was also a power house in state administration and he used social media besides official platforms to express his grief. Pawar’s exit at this juncture is not only a personal loss to his family, or political setback for his party, but also disastrous for the administration of India’s most industrialized state,” he said.
Prime Minister’s Tribute Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on Tuesday paying his respects to Mr. George, and seeking to draw attention from the images of graffiti-covered monuments, like those defaced amid protests in Washington over the weekend that featured the names of Confederate generals.
In an emotional message of condolence, PM Modi said Ajit Pawar’s political career was uniquely characterised by the blend of administrative and empathetic capabilities even as he maintained a deep connect with all sections of society.
“Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a mass leader, who connected with the people at the grassroots. He was popular and regarded as an industrious frontman for the people of Maharashtra. His grasp of administrative affairs and zeal to uplift the poor, destitute was indeed commendable. His sudden death has shocked us and saddened us,” the Prime Minister expressed.
The PM mentioned his interactions with Pawar and while being on the opposite side of political fence for majority of their career, both had a commonality in respect for “development first” politics. Pawar had emerged as a bridge between regional aspiration and national goal after he joined the Mahayuti alliance in 2023, which the Prime Minister personally cherished.
The Baramati Air Tragedy: What We KnowSo Far
The act of aggression took place around 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday. Ajit Pawar was en route to his stronghold Baramati from Mumbai to attend a series of rallies for the crucial Zilla Parishad elections.
Reports released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that the private chartered Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK) was in deep trouble on its final approach to Baramati Airport.
Key Details of the Incident:
- The Flight: Departed Mumbai at 8:10 a.m.; disappeared from radar at 8:45 a.m.
- The Site: The plane crash-landed 1,000 feet too short of the runway, careening into a field next to the airport before it caught fire.
- Crew fatalities: All five crew members died as a result of the crash. The deceased comprised Pawar’s PSO, personal attendant, and two crew members (Pilot-in-Command and the First Officer) apart from Ajit Pawar.
- Probe: A top-level probe has been ordered to see to see if “very poor visibility” or “mechanical failure” caused the disaster.
Local villagers at the crash site reported a loud explosion and a huge plume of black smoke. Even though fire tenders and medical teams were rushed immediately, but the impact of the explosion was such that no one could survive.
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And to understand why the Prime Minister branded him a “leader of the people,” all one needs to do is gaze upon the terrain between Baramati. Under the leadership of Mr. Pawar, the region metamorphosed from an agrarian pocket into a hip center for education, industry and high-tech farming.
Fondly addressed as Dada (Elder Brother), he was popular for his morning “Darbar” sessions. Even prior to official government hours, Pawar could be seen meeting people, settling disputes on the spot and clearing files with such a speed that he became known as the most efficient administrator in the state.
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Jairam Patil was also a four-time Maharashtra MLA and twice served as the Maharashtra deputy chief minister. His ability to work with disparate parties — from the Shiv Sena and Congress to the BJP — reflected his effective, even cynical, understanding of how power could be wielded. He used to think that politics should be an instrument of development and he wouldn’t allow political hardliners to stymie the state’s forward march.
A Nation in Solidarity
It has been universal, the outpouring of grief. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have all expressed grief. Fadnavis, who had a good working relationship with Pawar, said that he has lost an “elder brother” and a “pillar of strength in the state cabinet”.
The Pawar family, including patriarch Sharad Pawar and Baramati MP Supriya Sule (Supriya Sule) have received encouraging messages from around the world to across the borders of Pakistan. A leader in the prime of his political life meeting a tragic end has put the State into grief, with all official government business being deserted for next three days.
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The Void in Maharashtra’s Future
As the probe rolls on, all eyes are on the huge void left by Ajit Pawar. He was the tactician who could articulate the pleas and pains of rural economy, cooperative sector and aspirations of the young.
The homage of the Prime Minister Modi is a reminder that, behind headlines and political rivalries that shape us, there are men who give their lives to the machines of nation. Ajit Pawar was one such leader—a man of action, a man who reached out to common people and a dynamic leader whose absence would be felt in every power corridor in Maharashtra.
The last rites will be performed with full state honours in Dada Kondkes hometown Baramati, where thousands will converger to bid adieu to their Dada’. Quoting the Prime Minister, his testament of hard work and close connection to grassroots will “continue to inspire generations”.
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