Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Funeral
On the morning of January 28, 2026, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, a senior political leader, tragically lost his life in a plane crash near Baramati in Pune district. The accident also killed all four other people on board the aircraft.
The private charter plane, a Learjet 45, was operated by VSR Ventures and was flying from Mumbai to Baramati. Ajit Pawar was on his way to attend a public rally for local elections when the aircraft encountered trouble during its landing approach at Baramati airport early that morning.
According to aviation officials, the plane was attempting to land when it crashed and caught fire. None of the five people on board survived the impact. The victims included:
- Ajit Pawar (Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra)
- His personal security officer
- A flight attendant
- The pilot and co-pilot of the aircraft
The bodies of the pilot, co-pilot, and flight attendant were later taken to the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College in Baramati for postmortem examinations. After the procedures, their families received the bodies for last rites.
Last Rites and Funeral Arrangements
The funeral of Ajit Pawar is being held on January 29, 2026, in his hometown of Baramati. His mortal remains were taken out for the final journey in a flower-decorated chariot with his picture and a message in Marathi that translates to “May Ajit Dada Pawar live forever in our hearts.”
The procession began at 9:00 am from Vidya Pratishthan Campus. Many supporters, party members, and local residents gathered along the route to pay their respects as the chariot passed through Baramati. The procession ended at Vidya Pratishthan Ground, where the funeral rites were scheduled to begin at 11:00 am.
Large crowds gathered outside Ahilyabai Holkar Hospital, where his body had been kept earlier, to offer their condolences.
Investigation and Official Response
Following the crash, teams from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and forensic investigators reached the crash site to begin the official probe into what caused the accident. The investigation will look at flight data and other crucial evidence to understand the sequence of events leading to the crash.
At this time, the exact cause of the crash has not yet been confirmed. Weather conditions, mechanical issues, or other factors could have played a role, and authorities are examining all possibilities.
Reactions from Leaders and the Public
News of Ajit Pawar’s death sent shockwaves through Maharashtra and across India. Political leaders, public figures, and citizens expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were among the national leaders who spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to receive updates on the crash and express their grief.
Other leaders from different political parties also shared their condolences, acknowledging Ajit Pawar’s long career and service to the people of Maharashtra.
Who Was Ajit Pawar?
Ajit Pawar was a senior leader from Maharashtra and served as the Deputy Chief Minister at the time of his death. He was also the leader of a faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Throughout his political career, he played a significant role in the governance and development of the state.
His sudden death has left a deep emotional impact on many people in his home region and across the state. Leaders from various parts of India remembered him as a committed public servant.
Impact and Mourning
Following the tragedy, a period of mourning was declared in parts of Maharashtra. Schools and public offices observed closures, and many people expressed their grief in social and public spaces.
Ajit Pawar’s passing marks a major moment in Maharashtra politics. His long political journey and decades of service made him a well-known figure in state leadership and public life.
As the formal investigation continues, officials have asked for patience and cooperation from the public and the media until more details are confirmed about the cause of the crash.
