Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Five, Including Prominent Politician

In a devastating incident, a private jet crash this morning, January 28, has left five individuals dead, among them a leading figure in Indian politics.

The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, who is also a senior member of the Nationalist Congress Party, tragically lost his life when the plane went down close to Baramati in India on Wednesday morning.

In addition to Pawar, the crash claimed the lives of four others, which included two pilots along with his security personnel.

The Learjet 45, operated by a private company, VSR, departed from Mumbai around 8:10 AM and lost radar contact approximately 35 minutes later, at 8:45 AM.

Authorities reported that the aircraft crashed while attempting a second landing at Baramati airport, bursting into flames upon impact.

Witnesses at the scene indicated that the jet seemed to lose control just moments before landing, falling nearly 100 feet short of the runway.

Emergency responders arrived swiftly but pronounced all five individuals dead shortly thereafter. Ajit Pawar, 66, was en route to various public engagements in advance of local elections scheduled for next month.

Images from the crash site reveal the wreckage of the aircraft and emergency vehicles transporting victims to local hospitals. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow at Pawar’s passing, describing it as “shocking and saddening.”

Modi remarked, “Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connection. He was widely respected as a hardworking figure dedicated to serving the people of Maharashtra. His adeptness in administrative affairs and passion for empowering the underserved were commendable. His sudden death is deeply shocking. I extend my condolences to his family and countless supporters. Om Shanti.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah conveyed his deep sorrow at the loss, calling it a personal blow.

Shah stated, “The tragic news regarding the death of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and our senior NDA colleague Ajit Pawar ji has profoundly distressed me. His dedication to the welfare of every segment of society in Maharashtra over the past thirty-five years is immeasurable. Whenever we encountered each other, he engaged in extensive discussions about numerous issues concerning the welfare of the populace. His passing is a personal loss for both my NDA family and myself. I offer my deepest sympathies to the Pawar family. In their time of mourning, the entire NDA stands steadfastly with them. May God grant peace to his departed soul.”

Ajit Pawar held office as Deputy Chief Minister under various leaders, including Prithviraj Chavan, Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde, and Devendra Fadnavis, and played a pivotal role in splitting the NCP in 2023 before joining the NDA government.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared his shock and sadness over the news, acknowledging Pawar's commitment to the growth of Maharashtra throughout his career. “Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar,” he stated on social media.

Singh praised Pawar's compassion for his constituents and his unwavering public service commitment, offering heartfelt condolences to his family, supporters, and admirers.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed his sorrow, labeling the tragedy as “profoundly distressing.” He stated, “The untimely demise of Shri Ajit Pawar in a plane crash is deeply shocking. It is the loss of a leader with a promising political future ahead of him. No words can sufficiently express the deep grief that his family must be feeling at this moment. I offer my deepest condolences to the Pawar family as well as to his supporters and well-wishers.

“Having served the people of Maharashtra in numerous constitutional roles, Shri Ajit Pawar will be remembered as a seasoned politician who fulfilled his responsibilities with sincerity and insight. May his soul find peace.”