Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Maharashtra government declares three days of state mourning
Ajit Pawar dies in plane Crash: While attempting to land in the Baramati area of Pune district.
Update: January 28, 2026
Location: Mumbai
On Wednesday morning at 8 AM, multiple sources claimed that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash while attempting to land in the Baramati area of Pune district. Following his death, the state government has declared three days of mourning. Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash around 8 AM.
Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash ; investigation ordered.
Initially, the incident was met with disbelief and lacked confirmation from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The news of Ajit Pawar’s death in the plane crash brought messages of condolence from colleagues, who broke down in tears.Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash.
Senior leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, (Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash}reportedly expressed their condolences. Reports stated that three days of state mourning have been declared.
Sources close to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leadership confirmed that Ajit Pawar died this morning in a plane crash while attempting to land in the Baramati area of Pune district. This has evoked an emotional response.
Ajit Pawar Political Career: From Baramati Strongman to Maharashtra’s Power Centre
Ajit Anantrao Pawar is one of the most influential and controversial political figures in Maharashtra. Known for his sharp political instincts, administrative grip, and mass appeal in western Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar has played a decisive role in the State’s politics for over three decades. His political career reflects both continuity—rooted in the Pawar family legacy—and dramatic turns that reshaped coalition politics in Maharashtra.
Early Life and Entry into Politics
Born on July 22, 1959, Ajit Pawar is the nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Ajit Pawar entered politics at a young age, influenced by the cooperative movement and grassroots politics of Baramati, a region long associated with the Pawar family.Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash.
He formally began his political journey in 1991, when he was elected as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Baramati constituency. Since then, Baramati has remained his political stronghold, with Ajit Pawar winning the seat multiple times by large margins.
Rise as a Powerful Minister
Ajit Pawar quickly gained prominence within the Congress–NCP alliance governments in Maharashtra. His administrative abilities and firm decision-making earned him key portfolios, most notably the Water Resources (Irrigation) Department.
He served as Minister for Water Resources several times, becoming one of the longest-serving ministers in the department. Supporters credit him with accelerating irrigation projects, while critics have questioned transparency and project costs. Regardless, his control over this crucial department significantly strengthened his political clout.
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra
Ajit Pawar first became Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra in 2010, serving under Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan in the Congress–NCP government. He held the position until 2014.
After the 2019 Assembly elections delivered a fractured mandate, Ajit Pawar made headlines by briefly aligning with the BJP, taking oath as Deputy CM alongside Devendra Fadnavis in a short-lived government that lasted only a few days. This dramatic episode showcased his reputation as a bold and unpredictable political operator.
Key Role in Maharashtra’s Changing Alliances
In 2023, Ajit Pawar led a major split in the NCP, breaking away from his uncle Sharad Pawar and joining the Eknath Shinde–BJP government. He was sworn in again as Deputy Chief Minister, marking a turning point in Maharashtra politics.
This move reshaped the State’s political landscape, divided the NCP into two factions, and triggered legal and political battles over party name, symbol, and legitimacy.
Political Style and Public Image
Ajit Pawar is known for his:
- Straightforward and sometimes blunt speaking style
- Strong control over party organization
- Deep influence in cooperative institutions and sugar belt politics
- Ability to mobilize cadre and voters
While supporters see him as a decisive administrator and mass leader, critics accuse him of fostering factionalism and high-handed politics. Despite controversies, his electoral success and relevance have remained largely intact.
Electoral Strength and Mass Base
Baramati remains the backbone of Ajit Pawar’s political power. His repeated electoral victories from the constituency underline his strong grassroots connect. He is particularly influential among:
- Farmers
- Cooperative sector leaders
- Rural voters in western Maharashtra
Current Political Standing
As of now, Ajit Pawar continues to be a central figure in Maharashtra governance and politics, holding the post of Deputy Chief Minister and playing a key role in policy decisions, coalition management, and electoral strategy.
Conclusion
Ajit Pawar’s political career is a story of ambition, influence, controversy, and resilience. From a young MLA in Baramati to one of Maharashtra’s most powerful leaders, his journey reflects the complex and evolving nature of State politics. Whether admired or criticized, Ajit Pawar remains impossible to ignore in Maharashtra’s political narrative.(Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash 28-01-2026).
