In a tragedy that has shaken Maharashtra's political landscape, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was killed today, January 28, 2026, when his chartered Learjet 45 aircraft crash-landed and exploded at Baramati Airport. The incident occurred at approximately 8:45 AM as the aircraft (Registration VT-SSK) lost control during its final approach in clear weather.
All five occupants on board—Ajit Pawar (66), his Personal Security Officer Vidip Jadhav, Flight Attendant Pinky Mali, Pilot Sumit Kapur, and Co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak—perished instantly as the plane struck the ground just 100 feet short of the runway, turning into a "ball of fire." The Maharashtra government, led by CM Devendra Fadnavis, has declared a three-day state mourning (Jan 28-30), with all schools and colleges closed tomorrow for the funeral.
The Context (How We Got Here)
- The Aircraft: The ill-fated jet was operated by VSR Ventures. Notably, the same aircraft type (Learjet 45) from the same operator was involved in a serious landing incident in Mumbai in September 2023, a fact that is now fueling intense scrutiny over the fleet's maintenance history.
- The Mission: Pawar was returning to his bastion, Baramati, to address rallies for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. His visit was politically charged amid rumors circulating in Delhi and Mumbai that he was considering a "homecoming" to his uncle Sharad Pawar’s faction, signaling potential cracks in the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
- The Crash: Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft wobble during descent despite visibility being over 3.5 km. The "black box" (Flight Data Recorder) has been recovered, but the preliminary visual evidence points to a sudden loss of altitude.
The Key Players (Who & So What)
- Sharad Pawar (NCP Founder/Uncle): The Patriarch. Despite their bitter political estrangement since 2023, the senior Pawar was the first to address the media, calling the crash "purely an accident." His swift intervention is seen as a strategic move to prevent violence from his nephew's supporters, who are prone to emotional outbursts in the sugar belt.
- Mamata Banerjee (CM, West Bengal): The Provocateur. She has publicly alleged a conspiracy, claiming Ajit Pawar was "willing to leave the BJP" and join the INDIA bloc. Her demand for a Supreme Court-monitored probe has injected a volatile "sabotage" narrative into the tragedy.
- Capt. Sumit Kapur (Pilot): The Veteran. With over 16,500 flight hours, Kapur was one of the most experienced pilots in the charter sector. His inability to recover the aircraft suggests a catastrophic mechanical failure rather than pilot error.
The BIGSTORY Reframe (The "Scindia-Style" Vacuum)
While the media mourns the "Administrator," the real story is the Political Vacuum.
- The Bridge is Gone: Ajit Pawar was the only bridge between the BJP and the Maratha vote bank in Western Maharashtra. His death creates a scenario similar to the sudden demise of Madhavrao Scindia or YSR—a leaderless faction that could crumble overnight.
- The Reunification Trigger: With the "rebel" nephew gone, the emotional sympathy wave will likely flow back to the patriarch, Sharad Pawar. The "Ajit Faction" of the NCP now faces an existential crisis: return to the uncle's fold or be swallowed whole by the BJP. The "Mahayuti" alliance has lost its localized gravity.
- AI Investigation: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has confirmed it will use AI-driven voice spectrum analysis on the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). This tech will be crucial to distinguish between "mechanical explosion" sounds and any external anomalies, specifically to address the sabotage rumors.
The Implications (Why This Matters)
- State Shutdown: The Mantralaya (Secretariat) is effectively shut down for three days. Critical approvals for infrastructure projects in Pune and Nashik—Ajit Pawar's pet portfolios—will face immediate delays.
- Market Impact: Investors should watch Sugar Cooperative stocks and Maharashtra-based infrastructure firms. Ajit Pawar was the "Infrastructure Man" who fast-tracked approvals; his absence introduces policy uncertainty in the state's industrial belt.
- Funeral Logistics: The final rites are scheduled for 11:00 AM tomorrow (Jan 29) at Vidya Pratishthan, Baramati. Expect massive logistical gridlock on the Pune-Baramati highway as lakhs of supporters converge. VVIP movement (PM Modi and Amit Shah) will further tighten security.
The Closing Question (Now, Think About This)
Ajit Pawar spent his life trying to step out of his uncle's shadow. Now that he is gone, will his death be the very thing that restores his uncle's supreme authority over Maharashtra politics?
FAQs: The Baramati Tragedy
1. Is tomorrow a holiday in Mumbai due to Ajit Pawar's death? Yes. The Maharashtra government has declared a state holiday for schools, colleges, and government offices on January 29, 2026, to observe mourning for the Deputy Chief Minister.
2. Who died with Ajit Pawar in the plane crash? Along with Ajit Pawar, four others lost their lives:
- Vidip Jadhav (Personal Security Officer)
- Pinky Mali (Flight Attendant)
- Capt. Sumit Kapur (Pilot in Command)
- Capt. Shambhavi Pathak (Co-pilot)
3. What was the cause of the plane crash? Preliminary reports indicate the Learjet 45 lost control during its final approach to Baramati Airport. While conspiracy theories exist, the DGCA has cited a likely mechanical failure or loss of hydraulics at low altitude. A full investigation by the AAIB is underway.
4. What is the conspiracy behind Ajit Pawar's death? West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and some opposition leaders have alleged "foul play," linking the crash to rumors that Ajit Pawar was planning to quit the BJP alliance and rejoin the opposition. However, Sharad Pawar has dismissed these claims, terming it a tragic accident.
5. Where will the funeral take place? The final rites will be performed at 11:00 AM on January 29, 2026, at the Vidya Pratishthan grounds in Baramati, his home constituency.
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Brajesh Mishra
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