Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Killed in Plane Crash; State Mourning Declared, Funeral Set for January 29

PUNE/BARAMATI: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), was among five people killed when the private aircraft carrying him crash-landed in Baramati on Wednesday morning, officials confirmed. The incident has sent shockwaves across the state, prompting leaders to express grief and declare official mourning.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a three-day state mourning following the accident and said that a funeral with full state honours for Ajit Pawar will be held on January 29 at 11 a.m. at Vidya Pratishthan.

Crash Timeline and Immediate Response

According to preliminary information from police and aviation authorities, the Bombardier Learjet 45 aircraft took off from Mumbai at around 8:10 a.m. and vanished from radar screens near 8:45 a.m. The flight was scheduled to reach Baramati, where Pawar was to address public meetings ahead of the February 5 zilla parishad polls.

Police reported that the plane crash-landed at Baramati Airfield around 8:50 a.m., killing all five people on board, including Ajit Pawar, who was 66 years old. Details about the identities of the other victims have not been officially released yet.

Investigation Underway

An investigation team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has departed for Baramati from Delhi to examine the crash site and begin technical analysis. The probe will aim to determine the cause of the accident, including weather conditions, aircraft systems, and operational factors.

Aviation Minister [Name Not Yet Announced] noted that poor visibility was reported at the time of the crash, suggesting that adverse weather may have played a role. Officials have said they will await AAIB findings before drawing conclusions.

Political and Public Reaction

The news has drawn immediate reactions from political leaders across Maharashtra and beyond. Chief Minister Fadnavis expressed his sorrow and paid tribute to Pawar’s decades-long public service. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde stated that the air crash will be thoroughly investigated, while other leaders, including Supriya Sule, described the incident as devastating.

Pawar, a veteran politician and key leader of the NCP, had been travelling to Baramati to campaign in the run-up to the upcoming rural local body elections. His sudden death ends a long and influential political career in Maharashtra.

State Mourning and Funeral Plans

In response to the tragedy, Maharashtra has declared three days of official mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast and government functions will observe solemnity.

The funeral with full state honours is scheduled for 11 a.m. on January 29 at Vidya Pratishthan. Leaders from across India are expected to attend to pay their respects to the late Deputy Chief Minister.

What Happens Next

As the AAIB begins its formal inquiry, investigators are expected to look into:

• Flight path and communication records
• Meteorological conditions at the time of the accident
• Aircraft maintenance history
• Pilot records and operational procedures

Officials have reiterated that while initial reports cite visibility issues, only a full technical investigation will establish the precise cause of the crash.