The sudden and tragic death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati has shaken Maharashtra and the nation. While rumours and conspiracy theories have circulated, Sharad Pawar has strongly dismissed all political narratives, calling the crash “purely accidental” and urging citizens and leaders alike to respect the family’s grief. Meanwhile, Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis condemned attempts to politicize the tragedy and highlighted Ajit Pawar’s decades of public service. WATCH 

Maharashtra is in deep mourning as Ajit Pawar (1959–2026), the veteran Deputy Chief Minister and NCP stalwart, tragically lost his life in a plane crash in Baramati. The Learjet 45, operated by VSR Aviation, attempted an emergency landing after departing from Mumbai but veered off the runway, exploding into a fireball. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden jolt before the aircraft hit the perimeter field, leaving no survivors. The devastating crash claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, an attendant, the pilot-in-command, and the first officer. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but the intensity of the blaze prevented any rescue efforts. Known affectionately as “Ajit Dada”, Pawar’s political career spanned over four decades, serving as Deputy Chief Minister six times and representing Baramati as a seven-time MLA. WATCH