A routine political journey ended in catastrophe on Wednesday when a private jet carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed shortly after takeoff, killing everyone on board.
The Learjet 45 had departed from Mumbai and was headed to Baramati, Pawar’s hometown and a key centre of his political influence in western Maharashtra. The flight, expected to last little more than an hour, never reached its destination.
According to aviation officials, the aircraft came down in an open field soon after departure and burst into flames on impact. There were no survivors. Television visuals later showed thick plumes of smoke rising from the wreckage as emergency teams rushed to the site, only to confirm that escape had been impossible.
Pawar, 66, was travelling with two members of his personal staff, along with two crew members. All five were declared dead at the scene. The aides were long-time associates who had worked closely with him through years of political activity and administrative responsibilities, making the loss especially painful for those within his inner circle.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the fatalities and announced that a formal investigation has been launched. “All five occupants of the aircraft have died,” a DGCA spokesperson said, adding that investigators would examine flight data recorders and cockpit voice recordings to determine what led to the crash.
Ajit Pawar was one of the most influential figures in Maharashtra politics, particularly in the state’s rural and sugar-producing regions. Serving as Deputy Chief Minister in the ruling coalition aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he was known for his firm grip on grassroots politics and administrative experience.
News of his death triggered an outpouring of grief across the political spectrum. Leaders from rival parties and allies alike expressed shock and sorrow at the sudden loss.
Prime Minister Modi, reacting to the tragedy, said he was deeply saddened by Pawar’s passing. In a post on his official 𝕏account, he described the death as “very shocking,” and extended condolences to Pawar’s family and supporters. The Prime Minister also noted Pawar’s grasp of governance and his commitment to uplifting the poor and marginalised.
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As investigators work to piece together the final moments of the ill-fated flight, Maharashtra mourns the loss of a towering political figure and four others whose lives were cut short in a tragic accident.
