Hyderabad: Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister, died on Wednesday morning after a chartered Learjet 45 crashed during a second landing attempt at Baramati Airport, prompting statewide shock.
The Bombardier Aerospace jet, registered VT-SSK, veered off the runway at 8:45 am and burst into flames. As a result, all five people on board died. Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to address four public meetings ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections.
The deceased also included pilots Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak. In addition, police officer Vidhit Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali were killed. Soon after the crash, officials shifted Pawar’s body to Baramati Hospital, where hundreds of supporters gathered.
Meanwhile, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a three-day state mourning. He also declared a public holiday on Wednesday. Shortly after, Fadnavis and deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde reached Baramati to coordinate official arrangements.
Leaders react after Ajit Pawar death in Baramati crash
Fadnavis described the Ajit Pawar death as a major blow to Maharashtra. He cited Pawar’s decades-long administrative experience. He added that officials would finalise the next steps after consulting the family.
Similarly, Eknath Shinde called the incident “tragic and regrettable.” He confirmed that authorities had launched an official investigation. He also said Pawar consistently brought discipline and expertise to coalition governments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah contacted Fadnavis for updates. In a post on X, Modi called the Ajit Pawar death “deeply shocking.” He also praised Pawar’s grassroots connect and work ethic.
Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed deep sorrow as well. He called the incident “extremely heartbreaking.” He extended condolences to the Pawar family and the people of Maharashtra.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Learjet operated on a chartered schedule. Baramati airport manager Shivaji Taware said the aircraft lost stability during landing. Consequently, it skidded off the runway before crashing. DGCA clarified that the aircraft was different from a Learjet involved in an earlier incident.
Ajit Pawar served six terms as Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister. As a result, he became the longest-tenured leader in the role. His political career began in 1991. He later won the Baramati Assembly seat seven consecutive times. Meanwhile, his wife Sunetra Pawar and sister Supriya Sule were travelling to Baramati.
