Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Anantrao Pawar, one of the state’s most seasoned and influential political figures, died at the age of 66 in a tragic plane crash on Wednesday morning when the chartered aircraft he was travelling in crash-landed near Baramati Airport in Pune district. The accident, which claimed all lives on board, has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra and drawn national expressions of grief.
The twin-engine midsize business jet was on a scheduled flight from Mumbai to Baramati when it encountered difficulties while attempting to land early in the day. As the aircraft neared the runway, it reportedly lost control, descended near the threshold and impacted terrain close to the airport perimeter, erupting in flames upon contact with the ground. Emergency responders arrived at the scene as locals and officials gathered around the wreckage.
Pawar, who served as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and Finance and Planning Minister, was among those killed instantly along with his personal security officer, an attendant and two pilots. The chartered Learjet 45 aircraft had been carrying him for official commitments related to upcoming local elections and public meetings. There were no survivors.
A deeply seasoned politician, Pawar had a political career spanning more than three decades and was widely recognised for his expertise in fiscal policy and governance. Born in rural Maharashtra, he rose through the ranks of public life beginning with grassroots work in cooperative institutions and local governance, ultimately becoming one of the most enduring faces in state politics. He was known for presenting Maharashtra’s budget multiple times and for his long tenure as a six-term legislator from Baramati, a significant political stronghold.
Pawar’s contributions extended beyond fiscal management; he played pivotal roles in coalition negotiations, legislative strategy and administrative leadership, earning respect across party lines. As Deputy Chief Minister, he served in several administrations and was known for his deep involvement in infrastructure development, rural affairs and state planning. His sudden death leaves a significant void in the state’s political landscape at a time of intense legislative and economic activity.
His passing triggered an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, elected representatives and citizens alike, with many paying tribute to his decades of service and influence across Maharashtra. Senior officials have praised his commitment to public service and noted that his absence will be deeply felt in legislative and governance circles.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash, with teams already dispatched to assess wreckage, flight data and preliminary evidence from the accident site. Early inquiries are expected to examine aircraft performance, weather conditions at the time of landing and operational factors leading up to the fatal descent.
Local authorities have cordoned off the site to support rescue, recovery and investigative operations. Families of the victims have been notified and are being assisted by state officials. As Maharashtra mourns a towering political leader, attention is also turning to aviation safety protocols and emergency response coordination for chartered flights involving public officials.
Pawar is survived by his wife and sons. Tributes have highlighted both his administrative acumen and his long-standing connection with the people of Maharashtra, particularly in Baramati and western regions of the state where he cultivated deep political roots. The state flag has been ordered to fly at half-mast in recognition of his service and the profound loss felt across communities.
