NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar was killed in a plane crash on Wednesday while travelling from Mumbai to Baramati amid the ongoing elections to Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis in Maharashtra.Pawar was seated in a Learjet 45 XR aircraft along with his PSO Vidip Jadhav. Meanwhile, three people from the cabin crew were also present in the plane.According to officials, the plane crashed at 8.45 am while attempting an emergency landing. The crash landing occurred at the runway threshold in Baramati. A source told PTI that the aircraft pilot had spoken about poor visibility near the runway, before the aircraft attempted the landing.Ajit Pawar’s last wordsIn his last post on X, Pawar paid tribute to Lala Lajpat Rai on his birth anniversary.”On the occasion of his birth anniversary, humble salutations to the great freedom fighter, proclaimer of Swarajya, and ‘Punjab Kesari’ Lala Lajpat Rai ji, who dedicated his all for the nation’s independence! His patriotism will forever continue to inspire us,” Pawar had posted.Lala Lajpat Rai died of severe trauma injuries sustained in October 1928 during a baton charge by police in Lahore, when he led a peaceful protest march against the all-British Simon Commission. PM Modi, President Mumru mourn Ajit PawarPrime Minister Narendra Modi mourned Ajit Pawar and said that NCP chief was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra.”Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” PM Modi wrote in a social media post.President Droupadi Murmu also gave her condolences. She said, “The news of the deaths of several people, including Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar, in an aeroplane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, is utterly heartbreaking. The untimely demise of Shri Ajit Pawar is an irreplaceable loss. He will always be remembered for his special contribution to Maharashtra’s development, particularly in the cooperative sector.”Meanwhile, the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar will be performed with full state honours, the Maharashtra General Administration Department (Protocol) informs.During the three-day mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings across Maharashtra where it is regularly hoisted. No government entertainment programmes will be organised during this period. All state government offices across Maharashtra will remain closed on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
