Ajit Pawar Plane Crash HIGHLIGHTS | 'Purely an accident, no politics’: Sharad Pawar

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis accused Mamata Banerjee of indulging in "dirty and despicable politics" after the Bengal CM called for a Supreme Court-monitored probe into Ajit Pawar's death.

Ajit Pawar's mortal remains were brought to an educational institute in Baramati on Wednesday evening even as grief-stricken NCP workers and local residents shouted slogans hailing the late leader.

The Baramati plane crash could have been avoided if the airport runway had been equipped with an instrument landing system to guide the pilot through marginal visibility, an aviation expert told PTI news agency on Wednesday.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken over the Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the Baramati airport. The ATC at Baramati was managed by two flying schools- Redbird Flight Training Academy and Carver Aviation.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu is conducting a meeting with Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and DGCA DG Faiz Ahmed Kidwai in Hyderabad.

'Purely an accident, no politics’: Sharad Pawar’s first remark on Ajit Pawar’s plane crash

The forensic team reached the site of Ajit Pawar's aircraft crash. 

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule arrived at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati to pay her respects to her late cousin Ajit Pawar.

Two young women, cabin crew member Pinky Mali, 29, and pilot-in-command Captain Shambhavi Pathak, were among the five people killed in the crash. 

VSR Aviation owner, VK Singh, on Wednesday said no to grounding of its Learjet 45 planes after an aircraft of the same model crashed and killed Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others in Baramati.

The preliminary findings into the air crash at Baramati on Wednesday morning have revealed that the aircraft VT-SSK was airworthy and duly certified. Its Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) was issued on September 10, 2025.

Among the crew, the Pilot-in-Command, Sumit Kapur, held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and had over 15,000 hours of total flying experience. He last completed his Instrument Rating and Pilot Proficiency Check (IR/PPC) on August 18, 2025, while his most recent medical examination was conducted on November 19, 2025, valid until May 19, 2026.

The co-pilot, Shambhavi Pathak, was a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holder with around 1,500 hours of flying experience. Her latest medical examination took place on July 12, 2025, valid until July 24, 2026.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde arrived in Baramati and paid their last respects to the late Ajit Pawar at Vidya Pratishthan. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat was also present to pay his respects. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, NCP working president Praful Patel, Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare, and State Minister Hasan Mushrif, also reached Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati to pay their last respects to the late Deputy Chief Minister.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu paid tribute to Ajit Pawar and said the investigation into the plane crash will be held in a transparent and accountable manner. “As soon as we found out this morning, it's been very difficult to digest the fact that Ajit Dada is no longer with us. We have started an investigation into the incident. A team from the DGCA and AAIB also arrived immediately. The preliminary investigation has revealed that when they were attempting to land around 8:48 am this morning, the visibility was very poor in that area... We will conduct this investigation in a transparent and accountable manner…”

"Preliminary information indicates that visibility was poor at the site at the time of landing around 8:48 am," he added.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said there should be a probe into the air crash involving Ajit Pawar. Kharge said Pawar's death was untimely and he was someone who worked for the people. "This has hurt everyone, including his family members, and we share their grief and pray that they can bear this loss," Kharge told reporters. There were five people onboard the Learjet 46, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, including the crew members, according to DGCA.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into Ajit Pawar's death in plane crash. “I am deeply shocked to hear the news of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash this morning. Even political leaders are not safe in this country, let alone common people. Two days ago, I came to know that someone from another party had given a statement that Pawar was willing to leave the BJP, and now this has happened today. I demand a proper investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court. We have trust only in the Supreme Court and no other agency. All agencies have been completely compromised."

Sunetra Pawar, wife of NCP chief Ajit Pawar, broke down while meeting members of the Pawar family after the untimely demise of the Deputy CM in a plane crash that claimed four more lives. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, late Ajit Pawar's cousin, was also seen deeply emotional as family members gathered to mourn the loss. Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar and two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar.

The funeral of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on Wednesday morning, will be held tomorrow, 29 January, Thursday, with full state honours in Baramati, reported the IANS news agency, citing NCP sources. The last rites will take place at the Vidya Pratishthan grounds in Baramati at 11:00 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are likely to attend the funeral and pay their tributes to the departed leader.

The last regulatory audit was done by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in February 2025 and “no level-I finding were issued," according to a press release from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday paid tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a former Member of Parliament, following his death in a crash landing in Baramati earlier this morning.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Wednesday sent a team from Delhi to Baramati to investigate the recent aircraft crash-landing involving Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) stated.  

Vice-President of India CP Radhakrishnan said on the death of Ajit Pawar, "The tragic demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, along with his co-passengers and crew in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is deeply shocking and saddening. Shri Ajit Pawar dedicated his life to the development and welfare of Maharashtra, earning admiration for his compassion and unwavering commitment to public service. His untimely demise is a profound loss to the people of the state and the nation. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash, and I pray for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief."

EAM Dr S Jaishankar expresses condolences after the demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. “Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. His contributions to Maharashtra’s progress and development will always be remembered. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” He said in a post on X.

On the demise of Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar in the plane crash, Raj Thackeray said in a post on X, “My friend and Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Ajit Pawar, has passed away. Maharashtra's politics has lost an outstanding leader. Ajit Pawar and I entered politics around the same time, though our acquaintance came much later. But on the strength of his sheer passion for politics, Ajit Pawar took great strides in Maharashtra's political arena. Though Ajit Pawar was a leader forged in the mold of Pawar Saheb, he later carved out his own independent identity. And he imprinted that identity in every nook and corner of Maharashtra. In the 1990s, urbanization gained momentum in Maharashtra. Rural areas began tilting toward semi-urbanization, yet the tone of politics there remained rural, even as the nature of their issues started turning somewhat urban. Ajit Pawar had a complete grasp of this kind of politics and the skill to handle it adeptly. Pimpri Chinchwad and Baramati are two excellent examples of that. Whether it was Pimpri Chinchwad or Baramati, Ajit Dada transformed these regions in ways that even his political opponents would acknowledge. He was a leader with a precise grip on administration and an exact knowledge of where to untangle the knots in a file to resolve it. In an era when administration must rise above those in power, it is extremely tragic that Maharashtra has lost such a leader. Ajit Pawar was remarkably straightforward. If something couldn't be done, he'd say it to your face, and if it could, he'd put all his energy into it. Deceiving people by making promises and surrounding himself with crowds wasn't his style. In politics, one has to pay a price for straightforwardness and candor—I know that from experience, and one can imagine how much Ajit Pawar must have had to pay for it. Another quality of Ajit Pawar that I admired was that he was utterly free of caste bias, and caste had absolutely no place in his politics. In today's politics, leaders who demonstrate the courage to engage without regard for caste are dwindling, and Ajit Pawar was undoubtedly at the forefront among them. Opposition in politics is political, not personal. That's why leaders in Maharashtra who keep in mind that poisonous criticism of each other shouldn't be taken personally are becoming fewer. The successive departure of generous opponents from politics is a great loss to Maharashtra's fine political tradition. My family and I share in the grief of the Pawar family. On behalf of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, heartfelt tribute to Ajit Pawar.”

Following the death of Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said in a post on X, “Dada has left us! The news of the death of Ajitdada Pawar, the people's leader with a deep connection to the land, my friend and colleague, the Deputy Chief Minister, in a plane crash, is extremely heartbreaking. It is a shock to the soul. The mind is numb. I have no words to express my emotions. I have lost my strong and generous friend. This is a personal loss for me. This is a loss that can never be compensated. Today is an extremely difficult day for Maharashtra. I pay my heartfelt tribute to Dada. We share the grief of his entire family and the NCP family. Four other people also died in this accident. We share the grief of their families as well. I have cancelled all my programs. I am leaving for Baramati shortly.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has cancelled all his programs and, along with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, left for Baramati after Ajit Pawar died in a tragic plane crash.
 

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said in a post on X, "Ajit dada's news is truly shocking! Words fail me. I had the opportunity to work with Dada for 5–6 years...first in the government and then for a few days in the opposition. His commanding grip on legislative affairs and his affectionate nature won over many like me. Even when I was in the opposition, I had publicly said this many times. Today's news is truly shocking. My humble tribute to Ajit Dada and his colleagues in the accident".

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's body was identified by his watch.

“The news of the sudden demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji is extremely shocking, unfortunate, and heartbreaking. My heartfelt tribute to him. Over the past many years, while working together in the state legislature, I shared an extremely close bond with Ajit dada. His administrative acumen, developmental vision, and innate ability to connect with people have ensured that Ajit dada always holds an unassailable position in Maharashtra's politics. The untimely passing of this people's leader, who harbored aspirations for Maharashtra's development, is not just a loss for Maharashtra but an irreplaceable one for the entire nation. On this sorrowful occasion, my condolences are with the entire Pawar family. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti,” Nitin Gadkari posted on X.

Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Mos civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol enroute to Baramati.

“Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar Sb. I’ve known Ajit da since my days in college in Bombay when I stayed with Sharad Pawar Sb & his family at Varsha. Ajit da was an able administrator and a consummate political organiser whose loss will be greatly felt. I join my father in sending our condolences to Sharad Pawar Sb, Supriya & the entire family,” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.
 

India's civil aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Wednesday (Jan 28) launched an investigation into the fatal plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. This follows a shocking revelation that, after the plane crash, attempts were underway to save the passengers. Pawar was among those critically injured but still alive when the aircraft exploded.

Read more here.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Ajit Pawar in the aircraft crash. His passing is a profound loss to public life. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and supporters. May his soul rest in peace, and may his loved ones find the strength to endure this irreparable loss.”
 

“The tragic plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, resulting in the untimely demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and other members, is extremely heartbreaking and soul-wrenching. My humble tribute to them. My condolences are with the bereaved family members,” UP CM Yogi Adityanath. “I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed virtuous souls attain eternal peace and the grieving families are granted the strength to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti.”

A formal investigation has been launched by DGCA and AAIB after Ajit Pawar's plane crash landed in Baramati.

“The news of the demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and his fellow travelers in an airplane accident today is extremely heartbreaking,” Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi wrote on X. “In this moment of grief, I stand with the people of Maharashtra. I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and their loved ones during this hour of sorrow.”

“Today, the news of the loss of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and our senior NDA colleague Ajit Pawar ji in a tragic accident has left my heart deeply distressed,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on X. “The way Ajit Pawar ji dedicated himself to the welfare of every section of society in Maharashtra over the past three and a half decades cannot be expressed in words. Whenever we met, he would engage in long discussions on numerous issues related to the welfare of the people of Maharashtra. His passing is a personal loss not only for the NDA family but also for me.”

“I express my deepest condolences to the Pawar family. In this hour of grief, the entire NDA stands firmly with the bereaved Pawar family. May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” he added.

NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar, along with his wife, Pratibha Pawar, leaves for Baramati from their Mumbai residence, Silver Oaks.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, " The news of the tragic demise of Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, is deeply shocking and profoundly distressing. It is an untimely loss of a leader who had a long and promising political career ahead.  No words can adequately express the immense grief that the bereaved family must be enduring during this difficult hour. I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Pawar family, his supporters and well-wishers.  Having served the people of Maharashtra in various constitutional capacities, Shri Ajit Pawar shall be remembered as a seasoned politician who discharged his responsibilities towards his people with sincerity and astuteness. May his soul rest in peace."

“Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Shri Ajit Pawar in the plane crash in Baramati earlier today. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this loss. May his contributions to public life be remembered, and may the bereaved find strength in this difficult time,” said Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu.

“Deeply shocked and stunned by the suddden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji's all friends and followers. The incident needs proper investigation,” West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee wrote on X.

On Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and his supporters. I have spoken to Ajit Pawar's wife and Supriya ji (Supriya Sule)."

“Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X. “Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his unwavering dedication to public service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers.”

“The news of the death of several people, including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is extremely tragic. The untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji is an irreparable loss. He will always be remembered for his special contribution to the development of Maharashtra, especially in the cooperative sector. I express my deep condolences to his family, supporters, and admirers. May God grant strength to the families of all others who lost their lives in this accident to bear this blow,” President Droupadi Murmu wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the phone to inquire about the incident involving Ajit Pawar.
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “shock” after Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash.

“Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” he wrote on X.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis accused Mamata Banerjee of indulging in "dirty and despicable politics" after the Bengal CM called for a Supreme Court-monitored probe into Ajit Pawar's death.

Ajit Pawar's mortal remains were brought to an educational institute in Baramati on Wednesday evening even as grief-stricken NCP workers and local residents shouted slogans hailing the late leader.

The Baramati plane crash could have been avoided if the airport runway had been equipped with an instrument landing system to guide the pilot through marginal visibility, an aviation expert told PTI news agency on Wednesday.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken over the Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the Baramati airport. The ATC at Baramati was managed by two flying schools- Redbird Flight Training Academy and Carver Aviation.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu is conducting a meeting with Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and DGCA DG Faiz Ahmed Kidwai in Hyderabad.

'Purely an accident, no politics’: Sharad Pawar’s first remark on Ajit Pawar’s plane crash

The forensic team reached the site of Ajit Pawar's aircraft crash. 

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule arrived at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati to pay her respects to her late cousin Ajit Pawar.

Two young women, cabin crew member Pinky Mali, 29, and pilot-in-command Captain Shambhavi Pathak, were among the five people killed in the crash. 

VSR Aviation owner, VK Singh, on Wednesday said no to grounding of its Learjet 45 planes after an aircraft of the same model crashed and killed Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others in Baramati.

The preliminary findings into the air crash at Baramati on Wednesday morning have revealed that the aircraft VT-SSK was airworthy and duly certified. Its Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) was issued on September 10, 2025.

Among the crew, the Pilot-in-Command, Sumit Kapur, held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and had over 15,000 hours of total flying experience. He last completed his Instrument Rating and Pilot Proficiency Check (IR/PPC) on August 18, 2025, while his most recent medical examination was conducted on November 19, 2025, valid until May 19, 2026.

The co-pilot, Shambhavi Pathak, was a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holder with around 1,500 hours of flying experience. Her latest medical examination took place on July 12, 2025, valid until July 24, 2026.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde arrived in Baramati and paid their last respects to the late Ajit Pawar at Vidya Pratishthan. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat was also present to pay his respects. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, NCP working president Praful Patel, Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare, and State Minister Hasan Mushrif, also reached Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati to pay their last respects to the late Deputy Chief Minister.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu paid tribute to Ajit Pawar and said the investigation into the plane crash will be held in a transparent and accountable manner. “As soon as we found out this morning, it's been very difficult to digest the fact that Ajit Dada is no longer with us. We have started an investigation into the incident. A team from the DGCA and AAIB also arrived immediately. The preliminary investigation has revealed that when they were attempting to land around 8:48 am this morning, the visibility was very poor in that area... We will conduct this investigation in a transparent and accountable manner…”

"Preliminary information indicates that visibility was poor at the site at the time of landing around 8:48 am," he added.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said there should be a probe into the air crash involving Ajit Pawar. Kharge said Pawar's death was untimely and he was someone who worked for the people. "This has hurt everyone, including his family members, and we share their grief and pray that they can bear this loss," Kharge told reporters. There were five people onboard the Learjet 46, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, including the crew members, according to DGCA.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into Ajit Pawar's death in plane crash. “I am deeply shocked to hear the news of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash this morning. Even political leaders are not safe in this country, let alone common people. Two days ago, I came to know that someone from another party had given a statement that Pawar was willing to leave the BJP, and now this has happened today. I demand a proper investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court. We have trust only in the Supreme Court and no other agency. All agencies have been completely compromised."

Sunetra Pawar, wife of NCP chief Ajit Pawar, broke down while meeting members of the Pawar family after the untimely demise of the Deputy CM in a plane crash that claimed four more lives. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, late Ajit Pawar's cousin, was also seen deeply emotional as family members gathered to mourn the loss. Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar and two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar.

The funeral of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on Wednesday morning, will be held tomorrow, 29 January, Thursday, with full state honours in Baramati, reported the IANS news agency, citing NCP sources. The last rites will take place at the Vidya Pratishthan grounds in Baramati at 11:00 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are likely to attend the funeral and pay their tributes to the departed leader.

The last regulatory audit was done by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in February 2025 and “no level-I finding were issued," according to a press release from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday paid tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a former Member of Parliament, following his death in a crash landing in Baramati earlier this morning.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Wednesday sent a team from Delhi to Baramati to investigate the recent aircraft crash-landing involving Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) stated.  

Vice-President of India CP Radhakrishnan said on the death of Ajit Pawar, "The tragic demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, along with his co-passengers and crew in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is deeply shocking and saddening. Shri Ajit Pawar dedicated his life to the development and welfare of Maharashtra, earning admiration for his compassion and unwavering commitment to public service. His untimely demise is a profound loss to the people of the state and the nation. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash, and I pray for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief."

EAM Dr S Jaishankar expresses condolences after the demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. “Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. His contributions to Maharashtra’s progress and development will always be remembered. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” He said in a post on X.

On the demise of Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar in the plane crash, Raj Thackeray said in a post on X, “My friend and Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Ajit Pawar, has passed away. Maharashtra's politics has lost an outstanding leader. Ajit Pawar and I entered politics around the same time, though our acquaintance came much later. But on the strength of his sheer passion for politics, Ajit Pawar took great strides in Maharashtra's political arena. Though Ajit Pawar was a leader forged in the mold of Pawar Saheb, he later carved out his own independent identity. And he imprinted that identity in every nook and corner of Maharashtra. In the 1990s, urbanization gained momentum in Maharashtra. Rural areas began tilting toward semi-urbanization, yet the tone of politics there remained rural, even as the nature of their issues started turning somewhat urban. Ajit Pawar had a complete grasp of this kind of politics and the skill to handle it adeptly. Pimpri Chinchwad and Baramati are two excellent examples of that. Whether it was Pimpri Chinchwad or Baramati, Ajit Dada transformed these regions in ways that even his political opponents would acknowledge. He was a leader with a precise grip on administration and an exact knowledge of where to untangle the knots in a file to resolve it. In an era when administration must rise above those in power, it is extremely tragic that Maharashtra has lost such a leader. Ajit Pawar was remarkably straightforward. If something couldn't be done, he'd say it to your face, and if it could, he'd put all his energy into it. Deceiving people by making promises and surrounding himself with crowds wasn't his style. In politics, one has to pay a price for straightforwardness and candor—I know that from experience, and one can imagine how much Ajit Pawar must have had to pay for it. Another quality of Ajit Pawar that I admired was that he was utterly free of caste bias, and caste had absolutely no place in his politics. In today's politics, leaders who demonstrate the courage to engage without regard for caste are dwindling, and Ajit Pawar was undoubtedly at the forefront among them. Opposition in politics is political, not personal. That's why leaders in Maharashtra who keep in mind that poisonous criticism of each other shouldn't be taken personally are becoming fewer. The successive departure of generous opponents from politics is a great loss to Maharashtra's fine political tradition. My family and I share in the grief of the Pawar family. On behalf of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, heartfelt tribute to Ajit Pawar.”

Following the death of Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said in a post on X, “Dada has left us! The news of the death of Ajitdada Pawar, the people's leader with a deep connection to the land, my friend and colleague, the Deputy Chief Minister, in a plane crash, is extremely heartbreaking. It is a shock to the soul. The mind is numb. I have no words to express my emotions. I have lost my strong and generous friend. This is a personal loss for me. This is a loss that can never be compensated. Today is an extremely difficult day for Maharashtra. I pay my heartfelt tribute to Dada. We share the grief of his entire family and the NCP family. Four other people also died in this accident. We share the grief of their families as well. I have cancelled all my programs. I am leaving for Baramati shortly.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has cancelled all his programs and, along with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, left for Baramati after Ajit Pawar died in a tragic plane crash.
 

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said in a post on X, "Ajit dada's news is truly shocking! Words fail me. I had the opportunity to work with Dada for 5–6 years...first in the government and then for a few days in the opposition. His commanding grip on legislative affairs and his affectionate nature won over many like me. Even when I was in the opposition, I had publicly said this many times. Today's news is truly shocking. My humble tribute to Ajit Dada and his colleagues in the accident".

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's body was identified by his watch.

“The news of the sudden demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji is extremely shocking, unfortunate, and heartbreaking. My heartfelt tribute to him. Over the past many years, while working together in the state legislature, I shared an extremely close bond with Ajit dada. His administrative acumen, developmental vision, and innate ability to connect with people have ensured that Ajit dada always holds an unassailable position in Maharashtra's politics. The untimely passing of this people's leader, who harbored aspirations for Maharashtra's development, is not just a loss for Maharashtra but an irreplaceable one for the entire nation. On this sorrowful occasion, my condolences are with the entire Pawar family. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti,” Nitin Gadkari posted on X.

Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Mos civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol enroute to Baramati.

“Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar Sb. I’ve known Ajit da since my days in college in Bombay when I stayed with Sharad Pawar Sb & his family at Varsha. Ajit da was an able administrator and a consummate political organiser whose loss will be greatly felt. I join my father in sending our condolences to Sharad Pawar Sb, Supriya & the entire family,” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.
 

India's civil aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Wednesday (Jan 28) launched an investigation into the fatal plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. This follows a shocking revelation that, after the plane crash, attempts were underway to save the passengers. Pawar was among those critically injured but still alive when the aircraft exploded.

Read more here.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Ajit Pawar in the aircraft crash. His passing is a profound loss to public life. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and supporters. May his soul rest in peace, and may his loved ones find the strength to endure this irreparable loss.”
 

“The tragic plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, resulting in the untimely demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and other members, is extremely heartbreaking and soul-wrenching. My humble tribute to them. My condolences are with the bereaved family members,” UP CM Yogi Adityanath. “I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed virtuous souls attain eternal peace and the grieving families are granted the strength to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti.”

A formal investigation has been launched by DGCA and AAIB after Ajit Pawar's plane crash landed in Baramati.

“The news of the demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and his fellow travelers in an airplane accident today is extremely heartbreaking,” Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi wrote on X. “In this moment of grief, I stand with the people of Maharashtra. I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and their loved ones during this hour of sorrow.”

“Today, the news of the loss of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and our senior NDA colleague Ajit Pawar ji in a tragic accident has left my heart deeply distressed,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on X. “The way Ajit Pawar ji dedicated himself to the welfare of every section of society in Maharashtra over the past three and a half decades cannot be expressed in words. Whenever we met, he would engage in long discussions on numerous issues related to the welfare of the people of Maharashtra. His passing is a personal loss not only for the NDA family but also for me.”

“I express my deepest condolences to the Pawar family. In this hour of grief, the entire NDA stands firmly with the bereaved Pawar family. May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” he added.

NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar, along with his wife, Pratibha Pawar, leaves for Baramati from their Mumbai residence, Silver Oaks.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, " The news of the tragic demise of Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, is deeply shocking and profoundly distressing. It is an untimely loss of a leader who had a long and promising political career ahead.  No words can adequately express the immense grief that the bereaved family must be enduring during this difficult hour. I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Pawar family, his supporters and well-wishers.  Having served the people of Maharashtra in various constitutional capacities, Shri Ajit Pawar shall be remembered as a seasoned politician who discharged his responsibilities towards his people with sincerity and astuteness. May his soul rest in peace."

“Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Shri Ajit Pawar in the plane crash in Baramati earlier today. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this loss. May his contributions to public life be remembered, and may the bereaved find strength in this difficult time,” said Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu.

“Deeply shocked and stunned by the suddden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji's all friends and followers. The incident needs proper investigation,” West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee wrote on X.

On Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and his supporters. I have spoken to Ajit Pawar's wife and Supriya ji (Supriya Sule)."

“Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X. “Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his unwavering dedication to public service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers.”

“The news of the death of several people, including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is extremely tragic. The untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji is an irreparable loss. He will always be remembered for his special contribution to the development of Maharashtra, especially in the cooperative sector. I express my deep condolences to his family, supporters, and admirers. May God grant strength to the families of all others who lost their lives in this accident to bear this blow,” President Droupadi Murmu wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the phone to inquire about the incident involving Ajit Pawar.
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “shock” after Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash.

“Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” he wrote on X.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis accused Mamata Banerjee of indulging in "dirty and despicable politics" after the Bengal CM called for a Supreme Court-monitored probe into Ajit Pawar's death.

Ajit Pawar's mortal remains were brought to an educational institute in Baramati on Wednesday evening even as grief-stricken NCP workers and local residents shouted slogans hailing the late leader.

The Baramati plane crash could have been avoided if the airport runway had been equipped with an instrument landing system to guide the pilot through marginal visibility, an aviation expert told PTI news agency on Wednesday.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken over the Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the Baramati airport. The ATC at Baramati was managed by two flying schools- Redbird Flight Training Academy and Carver Aviation.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu is conducting a meeting with Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and DGCA DG Faiz Ahmed Kidwai in Hyderabad.

'Purely an accident, no politics’: Sharad Pawar’s first remark on Ajit Pawar’s plane crash

The forensic team reached the site of Ajit Pawar's aircraft crash. 

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule arrived at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati to pay her respects to her late cousin Ajit Pawar.

Two young women, cabin crew member Pinky Mali, 29, and pilot-in-command Captain Shambhavi Pathak, were among the five people killed in the crash. 

VSR Aviation owner, VK Singh, on Wednesday said no to grounding of its Learjet 45 planes after an aircraft of the same model crashed and killed Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others in Baramati.

The preliminary findings into the air crash at Baramati on Wednesday morning have revealed that the aircraft VT-SSK was airworthy and duly certified. Its Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) was issued on September 10, 2025.

Among the crew, the Pilot-in-Command, Sumit Kapur, held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and had over 15,000 hours of total flying experience. He last completed his Instrument Rating and Pilot Proficiency Check (IR/PPC) on August 18, 2025, while his most recent medical examination was conducted on November 19, 2025, valid until May 19, 2026.

The co-pilot, Shambhavi Pathak, was a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holder with around 1,500 hours of flying experience. Her latest medical examination took place on July 12, 2025, valid until July 24, 2026.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde arrived in Baramati and paid their last respects to the late Ajit Pawar at Vidya Pratishthan. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat was also present to pay his respects. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, NCP working president Praful Patel, Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare, and State Minister Hasan Mushrif, also reached Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati to pay their last respects to the late Deputy Chief Minister.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu paid tribute to Ajit Pawar and said the investigation into the plane crash will be held in a transparent and accountable manner. “As soon as we found out this morning, it's been very difficult to digest the fact that Ajit Dada is no longer with us. We have started an investigation into the incident. A team from the DGCA and AAIB also arrived immediately. The preliminary investigation has revealed that when they were attempting to land around 8:48 am this morning, the visibility was very poor in that area... We will conduct this investigation in a transparent and accountable manner…”

"Preliminary information indicates that visibility was poor at the site at the time of landing around 8:48 am," he added.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said there should be a probe into the air crash involving Ajit Pawar. Kharge said Pawar's death was untimely and he was someone who worked for the people. "This has hurt everyone, including his family members, and we share their grief and pray that they can bear this loss," Kharge told reporters. There were five people onboard the Learjet 46, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, including the crew members, according to DGCA.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into Ajit Pawar's death in plane crash. “I am deeply shocked to hear the news of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash this morning. Even political leaders are not safe in this country, let alone common people. Two days ago, I came to know that someone from another party had given a statement that Pawar was willing to leave the BJP, and now this has happened today. I demand a proper investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court. We have trust only in the Supreme Court and no other agency. All agencies have been completely compromised."

Sunetra Pawar, wife of NCP chief Ajit Pawar, broke down while meeting members of the Pawar family after the untimely demise of the Deputy CM in a plane crash that claimed four more lives. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, late Ajit Pawar's cousin, was also seen deeply emotional as family members gathered to mourn the loss. Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar and two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar.

The funeral of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on Wednesday morning, will be held tomorrow, 29 January, Thursday, with full state honours in Baramati, reported the IANS news agency, citing NCP sources. The last rites will take place at the Vidya Pratishthan grounds in Baramati at 11:00 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are likely to attend the funeral and pay their tributes to the departed leader.

The last regulatory audit was done by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in February 2025 and “no level-I finding were issued," according to a press release from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday paid tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a former Member of Parliament, following his death in a crash landing in Baramati earlier this morning.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Wednesday sent a team from Delhi to Baramati to investigate the recent aircraft crash-landing involving Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) stated.  

Vice-President of India CP Radhakrishnan said on the death of Ajit Pawar, "The tragic demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, along with his co-passengers and crew in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is deeply shocking and saddening. Shri Ajit Pawar dedicated his life to the development and welfare of Maharashtra, earning admiration for his compassion and unwavering commitment to public service. His untimely demise is a profound loss to the people of the state and the nation. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash, and I pray for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief."

EAM Dr S Jaishankar expresses condolences after the demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. “Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. His contributions to Maharashtra’s progress and development will always be remembered. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” He said in a post on X.

On the demise of Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar in the plane crash, Raj Thackeray said in a post on X, “My friend and Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Ajit Pawar, has passed away. Maharashtra's politics has lost an outstanding leader. Ajit Pawar and I entered politics around the same time, though our acquaintance came much later. But on the strength of his sheer passion for politics, Ajit Pawar took great strides in Maharashtra's political arena. Though Ajit Pawar was a leader forged in the mold of Pawar Saheb, he later carved out his own independent identity. And he imprinted that identity in every nook and corner of Maharashtra. In the 1990s, urbanization gained momentum in Maharashtra. Rural areas began tilting toward semi-urbanization, yet the tone of politics there remained rural, even as the nature of their issues started turning somewhat urban. Ajit Pawar had a complete grasp of this kind of politics and the skill to handle it adeptly. Pimpri Chinchwad and Baramati are two excellent examples of that. Whether it was Pimpri Chinchwad or Baramati, Ajit Dada transformed these regions in ways that even his political opponents would acknowledge. He was a leader with a precise grip on administration and an exact knowledge of where to untangle the knots in a file to resolve it. In an era when administration must rise above those in power, it is extremely tragic that Maharashtra has lost such a leader. Ajit Pawar was remarkably straightforward. If something couldn't be done, he'd say it to your face, and if it could, he'd put all his energy into it. Deceiving people by making promises and surrounding himself with crowds wasn't his style. In politics, one has to pay a price for straightforwardness and candor—I know that from experience, and one can imagine how much Ajit Pawar must have had to pay for it. Another quality of Ajit Pawar that I admired was that he was utterly free of caste bias, and caste had absolutely no place in his politics. In today's politics, leaders who demonstrate the courage to engage without regard for caste are dwindling, and Ajit Pawar was undoubtedly at the forefront among them. Opposition in politics is political, not personal. That's why leaders in Maharashtra who keep in mind that poisonous criticism of each other shouldn't be taken personally are becoming fewer. The successive departure of generous opponents from politics is a great loss to Maharashtra's fine political tradition. My family and I share in the grief of the Pawar family. On behalf of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, heartfelt tribute to Ajit Pawar.”

Following the death of Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said in a post on X, “Dada has left us! The news of the death of Ajitdada Pawar, the people's leader with a deep connection to the land, my friend and colleague, the Deputy Chief Minister, in a plane crash, is extremely heartbreaking. It is a shock to the soul. The mind is numb. I have no words to express my emotions. I have lost my strong and generous friend. This is a personal loss for me. This is a loss that can never be compensated. Today is an extremely difficult day for Maharashtra. I pay my heartfelt tribute to Dada. We share the grief of his entire family and the NCP family. Four other people also died in this accident. We share the grief of their families as well. I have cancelled all my programs. I am leaving for Baramati shortly.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has cancelled all his programs and, along with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, left for Baramati after Ajit Pawar died in a tragic plane crash.
 

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said in a post on X, "Ajit dada's news is truly shocking! Words fail me. I had the opportunity to work with Dada for 5–6 years...first in the government and then for a few days in the opposition. His commanding grip on legislative affairs and his affectionate nature won over many like me. Even when I was in the opposition, I had publicly said this many times. Today's news is truly shocking. My humble tribute to Ajit Dada and his colleagues in the accident".

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's body was identified by his watch.

“The news of the sudden demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji is extremely shocking, unfortunate, and heartbreaking. My heartfelt tribute to him. Over the past many years, while working together in the state legislature, I shared an extremely close bond with Ajit dada. His administrative acumen, developmental vision, and innate ability to connect with people have ensured that Ajit dada always holds an unassailable position in Maharashtra's politics. The untimely passing of this people's leader, who harbored aspirations for Maharashtra's development, is not just a loss for Maharashtra but an irreplaceable one for the entire nation. On this sorrowful occasion, my condolences are with the entire Pawar family. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti,” Nitin Gadkari posted on X.

Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Mos civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol enroute to Baramati.

“Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar Sb. I’ve known Ajit da since my days in college in Bombay when I stayed with Sharad Pawar Sb & his family at Varsha. Ajit da was an able administrator and a consummate political organiser whose loss will be greatly felt. I join my father in sending our condolences to Sharad Pawar Sb, Supriya & the entire family,” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.
 

India's civil aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Wednesday (Jan 28) launched an investigation into the fatal plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. This follows a shocking revelation that, after the plane crash, attempts were underway to save the passengers. Pawar was among those critically injured but still alive when the aircraft exploded.

Read more here.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Ajit Pawar in the aircraft crash. His passing is a profound loss to public life. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and supporters. May his soul rest in peace, and may his loved ones find the strength to endure this irreparable loss.”
 

“The tragic plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, resulting in the untimely demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and other members, is extremely heartbreaking and soul-wrenching. My humble tribute to them. My condolences are with the bereaved family members,” UP CM Yogi Adityanath. “I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed virtuous souls attain eternal peace and the grieving families are granted the strength to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti.”

A formal investigation has been launched by DGCA and AAIB after Ajit Pawar's plane crash landed in Baramati.

“The news of the demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and his fellow travelers in an airplane accident today is extremely heartbreaking,” Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi wrote on X. “In this moment of grief, I stand with the people of Maharashtra. I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and their loved ones during this hour of sorrow.”

“Today, the news of the loss of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and our senior NDA colleague Ajit Pawar ji in a tragic accident has left my heart deeply distressed,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on X. “The way Ajit Pawar ji dedicated himself to the welfare of every section of society in Maharashtra over the past three and a half decades cannot be expressed in words. Whenever we met, he would engage in long discussions on numerous issues related to the welfare of the people of Maharashtra. His passing is a personal loss not only for the NDA family but also for me.”

“I express my deepest condolences to the Pawar family. In this hour of grief, the entire NDA stands firmly with the bereaved Pawar family. May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” he added.

NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar, along with his wife, Pratibha Pawar, leaves for Baramati from their Mumbai residence, Silver Oaks.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, " The news of the tragic demise of Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, is deeply shocking and profoundly distressing. It is an untimely loss of a leader who had a long and promising political career ahead.  No words can adequately express the immense grief that the bereaved family must be enduring during this difficult hour. I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Pawar family, his supporters and well-wishers.  Having served the people of Maharashtra in various constitutional capacities, Shri Ajit Pawar shall be remembered as a seasoned politician who discharged his responsibilities towards his people with sincerity and astuteness. May his soul rest in peace."

“Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Shri Ajit Pawar in the plane crash in Baramati earlier today. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this loss. May his contributions to public life be remembered, and may the bereaved find strength in this difficult time,” said Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu.

“Deeply shocked and stunned by the suddden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji's all friends and followers. The incident needs proper investigation,” West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee wrote on X.

On Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and his supporters. I have spoken to Ajit Pawar's wife and Supriya ji (Supriya Sule)."

“Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X. “Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his unwavering dedication to public service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers.”

“The news of the death of several people, including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is extremely tragic. The untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji is an irreparable loss. He will always be remembered for his special contribution to the development of Maharashtra, especially in the cooperative sector. I express my deep condolences to his family, supporters, and admirers. May God grant strength to the families of all others who lost their lives in this accident to bear this blow,” President Droupadi Murmu wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the phone to inquire about the incident involving Ajit Pawar.
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “shock” after Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash.

“Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” he wrote on X.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis accused Mamata Banerjee of indulging in "dirty and despicable politics" after the Bengal CM called for a Supreme Court-monitored probe into Ajit Pawar's death.

Ajit Pawar's mortal remains were brought to an educational institute in Baramati on Wednesday evening even as grief-stricken NCP workers and local residents shouted slogans hailing the late leader.

The Baramati plane crash could have been avoided if the airport runway had been equipped with an instrument landing system to guide the pilot through marginal visibility, an aviation expert told PTI news agency on Wednesday.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken over the Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the Baramati airport. The ATC at Baramati was managed by two flying schools- Redbird Flight Training Academy and Carver Aviation.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu is conducting a meeting with Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and DGCA DG Faiz Ahmed Kidwai in Hyderabad.

'Purely an accident, no politics’: Sharad Pawar’s first remark on Ajit Pawar’s plane crash

The forensic team reached the site of Ajit Pawar's aircraft crash. 

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule arrived at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati to pay her respects to her late cousin Ajit Pawar.

Two young women, cabin crew member Pinky Mali, 29, and pilot-in-command Captain Shambhavi Pathak, were among the five people killed in the crash. 

VSR Aviation owner, VK Singh, on Wednesday said no to grounding of its Learjet 45 planes after an aircraft of the same model crashed and killed Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others in Baramati.

The preliminary findings into the air crash at Baramati on Wednesday morning have revealed that the aircraft VT-SSK was airworthy and duly certified. Its Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) was issued on September 10, 2025.

Among the crew, the Pilot-in-Command, Sumit Kapur, held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and had over 15,000 hours of total flying experience. He last completed his Instrument Rating and Pilot Proficiency Check (IR/PPC) on August 18, 2025, while his most recent medical examination was conducted on November 19, 2025, valid until May 19, 2026.

The co-pilot, Shambhavi Pathak, was a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holder with around 1,500 hours of flying experience. Her latest medical examination took place on July 12, 2025, valid until July 24, 2026.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde arrived in Baramati and paid their last respects to the late Ajit Pawar at Vidya Pratishthan. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat was also present to pay his respects. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, NCP working president Praful Patel, Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare, and State Minister Hasan Mushrif, also reached Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati to pay their last respects to the late Deputy Chief Minister.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu paid tribute to Ajit Pawar and said the investigation into the plane crash will be held in a transparent and accountable manner. “As soon as we found out this morning, it's been very difficult to digest the fact that Ajit Dada is no longer with us. We have started an investigation into the incident. A team from the DGCA and AAIB also arrived immediately. The preliminary investigation has revealed that when they were attempting to land around 8:48 am this morning, the visibility was very poor in that area... We will conduct this investigation in a transparent and accountable manner…”

"Preliminary information indicates that visibility was poor at the site at the time of landing around 8:48 am," he added.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said there should be a probe into the air crash involving Ajit Pawar. Kharge said Pawar's death was untimely and he was someone who worked for the people. "This has hurt everyone, including his family members, and we share their grief and pray that they can bear this loss," Kharge told reporters. There were five people onboard the Learjet 46, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, including the crew members, according to DGCA.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into Ajit Pawar's death in plane crash. “I am deeply shocked to hear the news of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash this morning. Even political leaders are not safe in this country, let alone common people. Two days ago, I came to know that someone from another party had given a statement that Pawar was willing to leave the BJP, and now this has happened today. I demand a proper investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court. We have trust only in the Supreme Court and no other agency. All agencies have been completely compromised."

Sunetra Pawar, wife of NCP chief Ajit Pawar, broke down while meeting members of the Pawar family after the untimely demise of the Deputy CM in a plane crash that claimed four more lives. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, late Ajit Pawar's cousin, was also seen deeply emotional as family members gathered to mourn the loss. Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar and two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar.

The funeral of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on Wednesday morning, will be held tomorrow, 29 January, Thursday, with full state honours in Baramati, reported the IANS news agency, citing NCP sources. The last rites will take place at the Vidya Pratishthan grounds in Baramati at 11:00 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are likely to attend the funeral and pay their tributes to the departed leader.

The last regulatory audit was done by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in February 2025 and “no level-I finding were issued," according to a press release from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday paid tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a former Member of Parliament, following his death in a crash landing in Baramati earlier this morning.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Wednesday sent a team from Delhi to Baramati to investigate the recent aircraft crash-landing involving Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) stated.  

Vice-President of India CP Radhakrishnan said on the death of Ajit Pawar, "The tragic demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, along with his co-passengers and crew in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is deeply shocking and saddening. Shri Ajit Pawar dedicated his life to the development and welfare of Maharashtra, earning admiration for his compassion and unwavering commitment to public service. His untimely demise is a profound loss to the people of the state and the nation. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash, and I pray for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief."

EAM Dr S Jaishankar expresses condolences after the demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. “Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. His contributions to Maharashtra’s progress and development will always be remembered. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” He said in a post on X.

On the demise of Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar in the plane crash, Raj Thackeray said in a post on X, “My friend and Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Ajit Pawar, has passed away. Maharashtra's politics has lost an outstanding leader. Ajit Pawar and I entered politics around the same time, though our acquaintance came much later. But on the strength of his sheer passion for politics, Ajit Pawar took great strides in Maharashtra's political arena. Though Ajit Pawar was a leader forged in the mold of Pawar Saheb, he later carved out his own independent identity. And he imprinted that identity in every nook and corner of Maharashtra. In the 1990s, urbanization gained momentum in Maharashtra. Rural areas began tilting toward semi-urbanization, yet the tone of politics there remained rural, even as the nature of their issues started turning somewhat urban. Ajit Pawar had a complete grasp of this kind of politics and the skill to handle it adeptly. Pimpri Chinchwad and Baramati are two excellent examples of that. Whether it was Pimpri Chinchwad or Baramati, Ajit Dada transformed these regions in ways that even his political opponents would acknowledge. He was a leader with a precise grip on administration and an exact knowledge of where to untangle the knots in a file to resolve it. In an era when administration must rise above those in power, it is extremely tragic that Maharashtra has lost such a leader. Ajit Pawar was remarkably straightforward. If something couldn't be done, he'd say it to your face, and if it could, he'd put all his energy into it. Deceiving people by making promises and surrounding himself with crowds wasn't his style. In politics, one has to pay a price for straightforwardness and candor—I know that from experience, and one can imagine how much Ajit Pawar must have had to pay for it. Another quality of Ajit Pawar that I admired was that he was utterly free of caste bias, and caste had absolutely no place in his politics. In today's politics, leaders who demonstrate the courage to engage without regard for caste are dwindling, and Ajit Pawar was undoubtedly at the forefront among them. Opposition in politics is political, not personal. That's why leaders in Maharashtra who keep in mind that poisonous criticism of each other shouldn't be taken personally are becoming fewer. The successive departure of generous opponents from politics is a great loss to Maharashtra's fine political tradition. My family and I share in the grief of the Pawar family. On behalf of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, heartfelt tribute to Ajit Pawar.”

Following the death of Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said in a post on X, “Dada has left us! The news of the death of Ajitdada Pawar, the people's leader with a deep connection to the land, my friend and colleague, the Deputy Chief Minister, in a plane crash, is extremely heartbreaking. It is a shock to the soul. The mind is numb. I have no words to express my emotions. I have lost my strong and generous friend. This is a personal loss for me. This is a loss that can never be compensated. Today is an extremely difficult day for Maharashtra. I pay my heartfelt tribute to Dada. We share the grief of his entire family and the NCP family. Four other people also died in this accident. We share the grief of their families as well. I have cancelled all my programs. I am leaving for Baramati shortly.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has cancelled all his programs and, along with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, left for Baramati after Ajit Pawar died in a tragic plane crash.
 

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said in a post on X, "Ajit dada's news is truly shocking! Words fail me. I had the opportunity to work with Dada for 5–6 years...first in the government and then for a few days in the opposition. His commanding grip on legislative affairs and his affectionate nature won over many like me. Even when I was in the opposition, I had publicly said this many times. Today's news is truly shocking. My humble tribute to Ajit Dada and his colleagues in the accident".

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's body was identified by his watch.

“The news of the sudden demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji is extremely shocking, unfortunate, and heartbreaking. My heartfelt tribute to him. Over the past many years, while working together in the state legislature, I shared an extremely close bond with Ajit dada. His administrative acumen, developmental vision, and innate ability to connect with people have ensured that Ajit dada always holds an unassailable position in Maharashtra's politics. The untimely passing of this people's leader, who harbored aspirations for Maharashtra's development, is not just a loss for Maharashtra but an irreplaceable one for the entire nation. On this sorrowful occasion, my condolences are with the entire Pawar family. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti,” Nitin Gadkari posted on X.

Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Mos civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol enroute to Baramati.

“Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar Sb. I’ve known Ajit da since my days in college in Bombay when I stayed with Sharad Pawar Sb & his family at Varsha. Ajit da was an able administrator and a consummate political organiser whose loss will be greatly felt. I join my father in sending our condolences to Sharad Pawar Sb, Supriya & the entire family,” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.
 

India's civil aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Wednesday (Jan 28) launched an investigation into the fatal plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. This follows a shocking revelation that, after the plane crash, attempts were underway to save the passengers. Pawar was among those critically injured but still alive when the aircraft exploded.

Read more here.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Ajit Pawar in the aircraft crash. His passing is a profound loss to public life. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and supporters. May his soul rest in peace, and may his loved ones find the strength to endure this irreparable loss.”
 

“The tragic plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, resulting in the untimely demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and other members, is extremely heartbreaking and soul-wrenching. My humble tribute to them. My condolences are with the bereaved family members,” UP CM Yogi Adityanath. “I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed virtuous souls attain eternal peace and the grieving families are granted the strength to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti.”

A formal investigation has been launched by DGCA and AAIB after Ajit Pawar's plane crash landed in Baramati.

“The news of the demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and his fellow travelers in an airplane accident today is extremely heartbreaking,” Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi wrote on X. “In this moment of grief, I stand with the people of Maharashtra. I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and their loved ones during this hour of sorrow.”

“Today, the news of the loss of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and our senior NDA colleague Ajit Pawar ji in a tragic accident has left my heart deeply distressed,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on X. “The way Ajit Pawar ji dedicated himself to the welfare of every section of society in Maharashtra over the past three and a half decades cannot be expressed in words. Whenever we met, he would engage in long discussions on numerous issues related to the welfare of the people of Maharashtra. His passing is a personal loss not only for the NDA family but also for me.”

“I express my deepest condolences to the Pawar family. In this hour of grief, the entire NDA stands firmly with the bereaved Pawar family. May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” he added.

NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar, along with his wife, Pratibha Pawar, leaves for Baramati from their Mumbai residence, Silver Oaks.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, " The news of the tragic demise of Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, is deeply shocking and profoundly distressing. It is an untimely loss of a leader who had a long and promising political career ahead.  No words can adequately express the immense grief that the bereaved family must be enduring during this difficult hour. I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Pawar family, his supporters and well-wishers.  Having served the people of Maharashtra in various constitutional capacities, Shri Ajit Pawar shall be remembered as a seasoned politician who discharged his responsibilities towards his people with sincerity and astuteness. May his soul rest in peace."

“Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Shri Ajit Pawar in the plane crash in Baramati earlier today. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this loss. May his contributions to public life be remembered, and may the bereaved find strength in this difficult time,” said Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu.

“Deeply shocked and stunned by the suddden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji's all friends and followers. The incident needs proper investigation,” West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee wrote on X.

On Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and his supporters. I have spoken to Ajit Pawar's wife and Supriya ji (Supriya Sule)."

“Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X. “Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his unwavering dedication to public service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers.”

“The news of the death of several people, including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is extremely tragic. The untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji is an irreparable loss. He will always be remembered for his special contribution to the development of Maharashtra, especially in the cooperative sector. I express my deep condolences to his family, supporters, and admirers. May God grant strength to the families of all others who lost their lives in this accident to bear this blow,” President Droupadi Murmu wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the phone to inquire about the incident involving Ajit Pawar.
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “shock” after Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash.

“Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” he wrote on X.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis accused Mamata Banerjee of indulging in "dirty and despicable politics" after the Bengal CM called for a Supreme Court-monitored probe into Ajit Pawar's death.

Ajit Pawar's mortal remains were brought to an educational institute in Baramati on Wednesday evening even as grief-stricken NCP workers and local residents shouted slogans hailing the late leader.

The Baramati plane crash could have been avoided if the airport runway had been equipped with an instrument landing system to guide the pilot through marginal visibility, an aviation expert told PTI news agency on Wednesday.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken over the Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the Baramati airport. The ATC at Baramati was managed by two flying schools- Redbird Flight Training Academy and Carver Aviation.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu is conducting a meeting with Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and DGCA DG Faiz Ahmed Kidwai in Hyderabad.

'Purely an accident, no politics’: Sharad Pawar’s first remark on Ajit Pawar’s plane crash

The forensic team reached the site of Ajit Pawar's aircraft crash. 

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule arrived at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati to pay her respects to her late cousin Ajit Pawar.

Two young women, cabin crew member Pinky Mali, 29, and pilot-in-command Captain Shambhavi Pathak, were among the five people killed in the crash. 

VSR Aviation owner, VK Singh, on Wednesday said no to grounding of its Learjet 45 planes after an aircraft of the same model crashed and killed Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others in Baramati.

The preliminary findings into the air crash at Baramati on Wednesday morning have revealed that the aircraft VT-SSK was airworthy and duly certified. Its Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) was issued on September 10, 2025.

Among the crew, the Pilot-in-Command, Sumit Kapur, held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and had over 15,000 hours of total flying experience. He last completed his Instrument Rating and Pilot Proficiency Check (IR/PPC) on August 18, 2025, while his most recent medical examination was conducted on November 19, 2025, valid until May 19, 2026.

The co-pilot, Shambhavi Pathak, was a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holder with around 1,500 hours of flying experience. Her latest medical examination took place on July 12, 2025, valid until July 24, 2026.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde arrived in Baramati and paid their last respects to the late Ajit Pawar at Vidya Pratishthan. Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat was also present to pay his respects. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, NCP working president Praful Patel, Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare, and State Minister Hasan Mushrif, also reached Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati to pay their last respects to the late Deputy Chief Minister.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu paid tribute to Ajit Pawar and said the investigation into the plane crash will be held in a transparent and accountable manner. “As soon as we found out this morning, it's been very difficult to digest the fact that Ajit Dada is no longer with us. We have started an investigation into the incident. A team from the DGCA and AAIB also arrived immediately. The preliminary investigation has revealed that when they were attempting to land around 8:48 am this morning, the visibility was very poor in that area... We will conduct this investigation in a transparent and accountable manner…”

"Preliminary information indicates that visibility was poor at the site at the time of landing around 8:48 am," he added.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said there should be a probe into the air crash involving Ajit Pawar. Kharge said Pawar's death was untimely and he was someone who worked for the people. "This has hurt everyone, including his family members, and we share their grief and pray that they can bear this loss," Kharge told reporters. There were five people onboard the Learjet 46, operated by Delhi-based VSR Ventures, including the crew members, according to DGCA.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into Ajit Pawar's death in plane crash. “I am deeply shocked to hear the news of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash this morning. Even political leaders are not safe in this country, let alone common people. Two days ago, I came to know that someone from another party had given a statement that Pawar was willing to leave the BJP, and now this has happened today. I demand a proper investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court. We have trust only in the Supreme Court and no other agency. All agencies have been completely compromised."

Sunetra Pawar, wife of NCP chief Ajit Pawar, broke down while meeting members of the Pawar family after the untimely demise of the Deputy CM in a plane crash that claimed four more lives. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, late Ajit Pawar's cousin, was also seen deeply emotional as family members gathered to mourn the loss. Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar and two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar.

The funeral of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on Wednesday morning, will be held tomorrow, 29 January, Thursday, with full state honours in Baramati, reported the IANS news agency, citing NCP sources. The last rites will take place at the Vidya Pratishthan grounds in Baramati at 11:00 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are likely to attend the funeral and pay their tributes to the departed leader.

The last regulatory audit was done by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in February 2025 and “no level-I finding were issued," according to a press release from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday paid tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a former Member of Parliament, following his death in a crash landing in Baramati earlier this morning.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Wednesday sent a team from Delhi to Baramati to investigate the recent aircraft crash-landing involving Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) stated.  

Vice-President of India CP Radhakrishnan said on the death of Ajit Pawar, "The tragic demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, along with his co-passengers and crew in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is deeply shocking and saddening. Shri Ajit Pawar dedicated his life to the development and welfare of Maharashtra, earning admiration for his compassion and unwavering commitment to public service. His untimely demise is a profound loss to the people of the state and the nation. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the crash, and I pray for strength and courage for the bereaved families in this moment of profound grief."

EAM Dr S Jaishankar expresses condolences after the demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. “Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. His contributions to Maharashtra’s progress and development will always be remembered. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and admirers,” He said in a post on X.

On the demise of Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar in the plane crash, Raj Thackeray said in a post on X, “My friend and Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Ajit Pawar, has passed away. Maharashtra's politics has lost an outstanding leader. Ajit Pawar and I entered politics around the same time, though our acquaintance came much later. But on the strength of his sheer passion for politics, Ajit Pawar took great strides in Maharashtra's political arena. Though Ajit Pawar was a leader forged in the mold of Pawar Saheb, he later carved out his own independent identity. And he imprinted that identity in every nook and corner of Maharashtra. In the 1990s, urbanization gained momentum in Maharashtra. Rural areas began tilting toward semi-urbanization, yet the tone of politics there remained rural, even as the nature of their issues started turning somewhat urban. Ajit Pawar had a complete grasp of this kind of politics and the skill to handle it adeptly. Pimpri Chinchwad and Baramati are two excellent examples of that. Whether it was Pimpri Chinchwad or Baramati, Ajit Dada transformed these regions in ways that even his political opponents would acknowledge. He was a leader with a precise grip on administration and an exact knowledge of where to untangle the knots in a file to resolve it. In an era when administration must rise above those in power, it is extremely tragic that Maharashtra has lost such a leader. Ajit Pawar was remarkably straightforward. If something couldn't be done, he'd say it to your face, and if it could, he'd put all his energy into it. Deceiving people by making promises and surrounding himself with crowds wasn't his style. In politics, one has to pay a price for straightforwardness and candor—I know that from experience, and one can imagine how much Ajit Pawar must have had to pay for it. Another quality of Ajit Pawar that I admired was that he was utterly free of caste bias, and caste had absolutely no place in his politics. In today's politics, leaders who demonstrate the courage to engage without regard for caste are dwindling, and Ajit Pawar was undoubtedly at the forefront among them. Opposition in politics is political, not personal. That's why leaders in Maharashtra who keep in mind that poisonous criticism of each other shouldn't be taken personally are becoming fewer. The successive departure of generous opponents from politics is a great loss to Maharashtra's fine political tradition. My family and I share in the grief of the Pawar family. On behalf of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, heartfelt tribute to Ajit Pawar.”

Following the death of Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said in a post on X, “Dada has left us! The news of the death of Ajitdada Pawar, the people's leader with a deep connection to the land, my friend and colleague, the Deputy Chief Minister, in a plane crash, is extremely heartbreaking. It is a shock to the soul. The mind is numb. I have no words to express my emotions. I have lost my strong and generous friend. This is a personal loss for me. This is a loss that can never be compensated. Today is an extremely difficult day for Maharashtra. I pay my heartfelt tribute to Dada. We share the grief of his entire family and the NCP family. Four other people also died in this accident. We share the grief of their families as well. I have cancelled all my programs. I am leaving for Baramati shortly.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has cancelled all his programs and, along with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, left for Baramati after Ajit Pawar died in a tragic plane crash.
 

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said in a post on X, "Ajit dada's news is truly shocking! Words fail me. I had the opportunity to work with Dada for 5–6 years...first in the government and then for a few days in the opposition. His commanding grip on legislative affairs and his affectionate nature won over many like me. Even when I was in the opposition, I had publicly said this many times. Today's news is truly shocking. My humble tribute to Ajit Dada and his colleagues in the accident".

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's body was identified by his watch.

“The news of the sudden demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji is extremely shocking, unfortunate, and heartbreaking. My heartfelt tribute to him. Over the past many years, while working together in the state legislature, I shared an extremely close bond with Ajit dada. His administrative acumen, developmental vision, and innate ability to connect with people have ensured that Ajit dada always holds an unassailable position in Maharashtra's politics. The untimely passing of this people's leader, who harbored aspirations for Maharashtra's development, is not just a loss for Maharashtra but an irreplaceable one for the entire nation. On this sorrowful occasion, my condolences are with the entire Pawar family. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti,” Nitin Gadkari posted on X.

Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu and Mos civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol enroute to Baramati.

“Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar Sb. I’ve known Ajit da since my days in college in Bombay when I stayed with Sharad Pawar Sb & his family at Varsha. Ajit da was an able administrator and a consummate political organiser whose loss will be greatly felt. I join my father in sending our condolences to Sharad Pawar Sb, Supriya & the entire family,” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.
 

India's civil aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Wednesday (Jan 28) launched an investigation into the fatal plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. This follows a shocking revelation that, after the plane crash, attempts were underway to save the passengers. Pawar was among those critically injured but still alive when the aircraft exploded.

Read more here.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “Deeply saddened by the tragic demise of Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Ajit Pawar in the aircraft crash. His passing is a profound loss to public life. My heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and supporters. May his soul rest in peace, and may his loved ones find the strength to endure this irreparable loss.”
 

“The tragic plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, resulting in the untimely demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and other members, is extremely heartbreaking and soul-wrenching. My humble tribute to them. My condolences are with the bereaved family members,” UP CM Yogi Adityanath. “I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed virtuous souls attain eternal peace and the grieving families are granted the strength to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti.”

A formal investigation has been launched by DGCA and AAIB after Ajit Pawar's plane crash landed in Baramati.

“The news of the demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and his fellow travelers in an airplane accident today is extremely heartbreaking,” Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi wrote on X. “In this moment of grief, I stand with the people of Maharashtra. I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and their loved ones during this hour of sorrow.”

“Today, the news of the loss of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and our senior NDA colleague Ajit Pawar ji in a tragic accident has left my heart deeply distressed,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on X. “The way Ajit Pawar ji dedicated himself to the welfare of every section of society in Maharashtra over the past three and a half decades cannot be expressed in words. Whenever we met, he would engage in long discussions on numerous issues related to the welfare of the people of Maharashtra. His passing is a personal loss not only for the NDA family but also for me.”

“I express my deepest condolences to the Pawar family. In this hour of grief, the entire NDA stands firmly with the bereaved Pawar family. May God grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” he added.

NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar, along with his wife, Pratibha Pawar, leaves for Baramati from their Mumbai residence, Silver Oaks.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, " The news of the tragic demise of Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash, is deeply shocking and profoundly distressing. It is an untimely loss of a leader who had a long and promising political career ahead.  No words can adequately express the immense grief that the bereaved family must be enduring during this difficult hour. I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Pawar family, his supporters and well-wishers.  Having served the people of Maharashtra in various constitutional capacities, Shri Ajit Pawar shall be remembered as a seasoned politician who discharged his responsibilities towards his people with sincerity and astuteness. May his soul rest in peace."

“Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Shri Ajit Pawar in the plane crash in Baramati earlier today. My sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this loss. May his contributions to public life be remembered, and may the bereaved find strength in this difficult time,” said Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu.

“Deeply shocked and stunned by the suddden demise of Ajit Pawar! The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and his co-passengers have died in a disastrous plane crash at Baramati today morning, and I am feeling a deep sense of loss. My condolences to his family including his uncle Sharad Pawar ji, and late Ajitji's all friends and followers. The incident needs proper investigation,” West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee wrote on X.

On Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, "I extend my condolences to the entire Pawar family and his supporters. I have spoken to Ajit Pawar's wife and Supriya ji (Supriya Sule)."

“Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote on X. “Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his unwavering dedication to public service. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, well-wishers, and admirers.”

“The news of the death of several people, including Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is extremely tragic. The untimely demise of Ajit Pawar ji is an irreparable loss. He will always be remembered for his special contribution to the development of Maharashtra, especially in the cooperative sector. I express my deep condolences to his family, supporters, and admirers. May God grant strength to the families of all others who lost their lives in this accident to bear this blow,” President Droupadi Murmu wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the phone to inquire about the incident involving Ajit Pawar.
 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed “shock” after Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash.

“Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” he wrote on X.