A Tragic Morning in Baramati
A shockwave ran through Maharashtra’s political circles on Wednesday morning after a chartered aircraft carrying Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed near Baramati airport. Initial reports from aviation authorities and media outlets confirmed that Pawar and four others on board lost their lives in the accident.
The aircraft, which had taken off from Mumbai earlier in the morning, was attempting to land at Baramati when it reportedly veered off the runway and caught fire. Emergency services rushed to the spot, but sources say there were no survivors.
For Baramati, Pawar’s hometown and political stronghold, the incident feels personal. For the state, it’s a sudden and destabilising political moment.
What Happened During the Crash
According to preliminary aviation reports, the small chartered jet was approaching Baramati for landing when something went wrong in the final moments. The aircraft reportedly crash-landed near the runway threshold and burst into flames on impact.
On board were Ajit Pawar, members of his security detail, and crew members. All were declared dead at the scene, according to initial official updates.
Investigators from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have ordered a formal probe to determine whether technical failure, pilot error, or weather conditions played a role.
Why Ajit Pawar Was Travelling
Pawar was reportedly travelling to Baramati to attend multiple political and local government campaign events ahead of upcoming district and panchayat elections. Baramati has long been his political base, and he was scheduled to address public meetings later in the day.
The timing makes the incident even more jarring. He had attended meetings in Mumbai just a day earlier and was actively campaigning in the region.
Political Shockwaves Across Maharashtra
Ajit Pawar was one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures—a senior Nationalist Congress Party leader and a key power broker in the state’s coalition politics.
News of his death triggered immediate reactions across party lines. Political leaders, ministers, and national figures began issuing condolences within minutes as details emerged.
Beyond politics, Pawar’s sudden demise leaves a vacuum in Maharashtra’s leadership structure and could reshape state-level political equations in the coming weeks.
What Happens Next
Authorities have sealed the crash site and launched a technical investigation. Black box data, maintenance records, and pilot logs will be reviewed to establish the exact cause of the accident.
Funeral arrangements and official state honours are expected to be announced once formal procedures are completed. Meanwhile, the state government is likely to make interim political arrangements to manage governance continuity.
