Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Baramati Highlights: Senior political leaders across party lines on Wednesday expressed deep shock and grief over the untimely death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Ajit Pawar, who was killed in a plane crash near Baramati in Pune district.
NCP (SP) president and Pawar’s uncle, Sharad Pawar, ruled out any political conspiracy surrounding the incident, stressing that the crash was purely accidental and should not be politicised. Speaking to reporters, he said Ajit Pawar’s death had come as a major shock to the state.
“Maharashtra has lost a hardworking and efficient leader. This loss is irreparable,” Sharad Pawar said, as condolences continued to pour in from across the political spectrum.
Describing his passing as a “black day” for Maharashtra, leaders remembered Pawar as a decisive administrator, a mass leader with deep grassroots connect, and a politician committed to public welfare and development. Pawar, 66, and four others lost their lives when the aircraft they were travelling in crashed just about 200 metres from the edge of the tabletop runway at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning.
How did the plane crash?
Baramati Airport Manager Shivaji Taware told Hindustan Times that it was Learjet 45 chartered from Mumbai (registration VT-SSK) that crashed while it was attempting to land.
The plane reportedly veered off the side of the runway during the maneuver and exploded upon impact at the Baramati airport.
Who all were onboard the fatal plane?
Pawar was travelling with his security personnel and personal assistant, along with the pilot and co-pilot. The aircraft has a seating capacity of six, including the pilot.
Pawar was expected to attend four public meetings in Baramati. These meetings were organised for the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti election campaign. A meeting was also scheduled for the Supe Zilla Parishad constituency. For this, Ajit Pawar had arrived in Baramati from Mumbai by plane. However, information is coming forward that this accident occurred during the landing of the plane. Reports suggest that six people, including Ajit Pawar, have died in this accident.”
Ajit Pawar Funeral Today LIVE: Locals anxious about Baramati's future
As they struggle to come to terms with the sudden departure of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, another concern is beginning to dawn on the residents of his native place Baramati in Pune district.
For years, Pawar had become synonymous with development in Baramati, about 100 km from Pune. People from this sugarcane-dominated region said they never had to approach Pawar for new projects, as he himself was keen to introduce initiatives in the area.
After the mortal remains of Pawar, who died in a plane crash in Baramati, were consigned to flames on Thursday, grief-stricken residents began wondering what the future holds for his pocket borough.
- via PTI
Ajit Pawar Funeral Today LIVE: Ambulance Ajit Pawar helped procure carries his mortal remains
A gesture of compassion by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar returned in a cruel twist of fate as the very ambulance he helped secure for the Baramati municipality carried his mortal remains, the ambulance driver recalled on Thursday.
Nazeem Kazi, who has been serving as an ambulance driver with the municipal council, said Pawar had intervened around six months ago after learning that the local body was operating with a decades-old ambulance.
"There was a news report that the Baramati Municipal Council had a very old ambulance. After learning about it, Ajit Pawar immediately convened a meeting of the officials concerned. He ensured that a new ambulance was provided without any delay," Kazi said.
His voice choked with emotion as he recounted the heartbreaking irony that followed Pawar's untimely death.
"Unfortunately, I had to drive Ajit Pawar's body from the hospital in the same ambulance he helped us get," Kazi said with teary eyes.
- via PTI
Ajit Pawar Funeral Today LIVE: Minister says there is public support to induct Sunetra Pawar into state cabinet
Senior NCP leader and Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal on Thursday said there was public support for inducting Sunetra Pawar, wife of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, into the state cabinet.
Zirwal said people were in favour of Sunetra Pawar’s entry into the Maharashtra ministry. Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state, along with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena.
Sunetra Pawar is currently a member of the Rajya Sabha.
Ajit Pawar Funeral Today LIVE: Late Maha Dy CM laid to rest with state honours in Baramati
The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were carried out with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, where his sons lit the funeral pyre and carried out the final rituals.
Several prominent leaders and dignitaries, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar, and actor Riteish Deshmukh, attended the funeral and paid their last respects.
A large number of people also gathered at the Vidya Pratishthan ground to bid a final farewell to the Nationalist Congress Party leader, reflecting the widespread public mourning over his demise.
Earlier in the day, full state honours were accorded to Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, on Thursday as his mortal remains were taken to the Vidya Pratishthan ground for the last rites.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Goa CM Pramod Sawant are attending the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar --- draped in the national flag --- have been brought from his village Katewadi to Baramati for the last rites. Top leaders including Union Ministers Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari are in attendance.
The National Flag was handed over to his son Jay Pawar before the last rites began.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Amit Shah reaches Baramati for Pawar's last rites
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President Nitin Nabin have arrived in Baramati to attend the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: 'Dada amar raho' chants echo
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Shinde, Fadnavis reach Baramati for funeral
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: DGCA, forensic teams at crash site
Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and forensic teams have reached the crash site in Baramati to investigate the plane crash.
"Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report at Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the air crash in which Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life. Further investigation initiated," a police official from Pune police said.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Cockpit voice recorder, flight data recovered
According to an update shared by news the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have been recovered following the charter plane crash in Baramati.
Visuals shared online by ANI indicate that the hearse van carrying the mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar is now moving towards the Vidya Pratishthan ground for the last rites.
The van is surrounded by thousands of supporters walking alongside, chanting tributes, and paying respects.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Raj Thackeray condoles Sharad Pawar at funeral | Video
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Gadkari heads to Baramati, other top leaders expected
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari arrived at Pune airport earlier today. From there he headed to Baramati for the last rites of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Several leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend the funeral. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may also attend --- but it remains unconfirmed.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Full state honours accorded to late Deputy CM of Maharashtra
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Sena (UBT) mouthpiece mourns loss of 'Dada'
Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, highlighting his influence and contribution to the State's politics. In its editorial, Saamana described Ajit Pawar as a natural leader who demonstrated independent leadership despite working under his uncle Sharad Pawar's shadow. It said his sudden death was a cruel blow to Maharashtra, robbing the State of a strong and large-hearted leader. The editorial noted that Pawar was constantly on the move and deeply engaged in public life.
"His sudden departure has created a deep void in Maharashtra's social life, political landscape and in the personal lives of millions. He entered Maharashtra politics as Sharad Pawar's nephew. Under the protective shadow of Pawar, like the Sahyadris, he built his position and carved his own distinct path through his achievements. Over time, his political journey diverged from that of Sharad Pawar," the editorial read.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Sharad Pawar arrives for last rites; Fadnavis, Shinde en route
NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar has arrived at the Vidya Pratishthan ground for the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Visuals shared online showed Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde arriving at the Maharashtra Lok Bhavan. They will take a chopper to Baramati for the last rites.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Police register accidental death report
Officials told ANI that the Pune Rural Police had registered an Accidental Death Report at Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the air crash. Investigations are also underway at the crash site --- even as political leaders and supporters gather in droves for the funeral of Ajit Pawar.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Massive police presence in Baramati ahead of funeral | Video
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Supporters gather hours ahead of ceremony
Party workers and supporters gathered in droves outside Ahilyabai Holkar Hospital on Thursday morning --- hours before the funeral rites were to be performed. Security has also been ramped up in the area.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Funeral procession to begin at 9 am
The mortal remains of Ajit Pawar were taken from the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Hospital (where they were kept overnight) to his Katewadi village near Baramati on Thursday morning. The funeral procession will begin at 9 am.
The last rites of Ajit Pawar will be performed at the sports ground of Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati in Pune district around 11 am.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy CM brought out of hospital
The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar have now been being brought out of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College in Baramati. Family members including son Parth Pawar were spotted ahead of the Antim Yatra.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Antim Yatra to begin shortly
The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be carried in a decorated rath for his 'Antim Yatra' today. The chariot is adorned with flowers, featuring Pawar's image and a board reading "Swargiya Ajitdada Pawar amar rahein" (Long live Ajit Dada Pawar).
The funeral procession for Maharashtra's longest-serving Deputy CM (non-consecutively) will start from the Vidya Pratishthan campus (Gadima) at 9 AM, pass through the city for people to pay their respects to Pawar, and culminate at the Vidya Pratishthan Ground for the funeral, scheduled to take place at 11 AM.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Preparations underway for funeral | Video
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to reach Baramati for Pawar's last rites. PM Narendra Modi is also likely to visit. Chief Ministers of several states arealso slated to land in Baramati later today.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: IAF takes control of Baramati air traffic control
According to reports, the Indian Air Force has now taken over Air Traffic Control at Baramati airport. Matters were previously being managed by two flying schools --- Redbird Flight Training Academy and Carver Aviation. Maharashtra Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal had reportedly spoken to the IAF and sought a takeover on Wednesday following the accident.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Post-mortem examinations of pilots completed
The post-mortem examinations of the two pilots who were flying the chartered aircraft that crash-landed at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning have been completed. Their mortal remains were handed over to family members for last rites.
The pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor and co-pilot Captain Sambhiav Pathak had both perished as the aircraft shattered on impact with the runway and burst into flames.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: 'Extremely unfortunate,' Shinde slams attempts to 'politicise' Ajit Pawar death
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday strongly criticised those trying to give "a conspiratorial angle" to Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar's death in a plane accident.
"Whenever an accident occurs, an inquiry into the incident is conducted. This incident will also be investigated, and therefore, if anyone is attempting to politicise it, it is extremely unfortunate. Senior leader Sharad Pawar has also clearly stated that there was no sabotage involved. It is necessary to console the Pawar family in their grief," Shinde told the media.
Shinde said that Ajit Pawar had served in various capacities--as a Member of Parliament, minister, MLA, and Deputy Chief Minister. With his passing, the state has lost an elder brother, a forthright and large-hearted leader, he said, according to Shiv Sena press note.
"Immense sorrow has befallen Maharashtra. This is not just a loss for one family, but a loss for the entire state," he said.
- via ANI
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Maharashtra minister recalls last meeting with Ajit Pawar a day ago
Reacting to Ajit Pawar’s death, Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat said the loss still feels unreal. Recalling that they were together at a cabinet meeting at the Mantralaya just a day earlier, Shirsat said it was hard to accept that Pawar was no longer there.
“Even after his passing, it doesn’t feel like Dada is gone,” he said. Remembering Pawar’s work ethic, Shirsat added that once Ajit Pawar gave his word, the job would be done. “That was his speciality,” he said.
Describing him as a leader who lived on through his work and relationships, Shirsat said Ajit Pawar would remain in the hearts of people. “We have lost a leader who truly cared for us,” he added.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: BJP calls Mamata’s remarks ‘petty politics’
The BJP today slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her remarks on Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash, saying she was indulging in “petty politics” when one should stand by the bereaved family of the NCP leader.
“She has lost humanity,” Biplab Deb, the BJP co-incharge for elections in West Bengal, said.
Demanding an apex court-monitored probe into the death of Ajit Pawar, Ms. Banerjee has alleged that “all other agencies” have been “completely compromised”. Claiming that truth would not emerge through existing mechanisms, the TMC supremo said only a probe under the supervision of the Supreme Court would be credible.
- via PTI
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Live Updates: Maharashtra Police pay tribute to constable Videep Jadhav
The Maharashtra Police paid tribute to police constable Videep Jadhav, who lost his life in the line of duty while serving with the Mumbai Police. Jadhav was accompanying Ajit Pawar on the aircraft that crashed.
मुंबई पोलीस दलात कार्यरत असलेले पोलीस अंमलदार विदीप जाधव यांचे कर्तव्यावर असताना झालेल्या अपघाती निधनाबद्दल भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली. 🙏🏻💐ावपूर्ण_श्रद्धांजली pic.twitter.com/KDEZ68HFRT
— महाराष्ट्र पोलीस - Maharashtra Police (@DGPMaharashtra) January 28, 2026