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Ajit Pawar, Former Deputy Chief Minister, Dies in Plane Crash

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. r-deputy-chief-minister-dies-in-plane-crash.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 16:00 GMT by moneycontrol.com
      Locales: Maharashtra, INDIA

Baramati/Pune, February 23, 2026 - The state of Maharashtra, and indeed the nation, is in mourning today following the tragic death of Ajit Pawar, former Deputy Chief Minister, in a plane crash near his hometown of Baramati. The incident, which occurred earlier this morning, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, prompting an outpouring of grief and initiating a full-scale investigation into the cause of the accident.

The Crash and Immediate Aftermath:

The private jet carrying Pawar and a small contingent of aides crashed shortly after takeoff from the Baramati airstrip. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft experiencing difficulties shortly after ascending, before impacting a field approximately five kilometers from the runway. Emergency services were immediately dispatched, but sadly, there were no survivors. While official confirmation is pending the completion of the ongoing investigation, early reports suggest a potential engine malfunction, though authorities are not ruling out any possibilities, including adverse weather conditions or pilot error. A specialized team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been dispatched to the crash site to recover the flight data recorder and assess the circumstances leading to the tragedy.

Cremation and National Mourning:

The cremation ceremony is currently underway in Baramati, attracting an unprecedented gathering of political figures, dignitaries, and mourning citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking from Delhi, expressed his profound sadness, stating, "Ajit Pawar was a dedicated public servant who contributed immensely to the progress of Maharashtra. His loss is a great blow to our nation, and my thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time." Maharashtra Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray, echoed these sentiments, adding, "Ajit Pawar was a seasoned politician with a deep understanding of the state's complexities. His guidance and experience will be sorely missed. We stand united with the Pawar family in their grief."

The Maharashtra government has declared a three-day period of state mourning, with flags flying at half-mast across the state. Public events have been cancelled or postponed as a mark of respect.

A Political Legacy Defined by Pragmatism and Influence:

Ajit Pawar's career spanned decades, firmly rooted in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founded by his uncle, Sharad Pawar. He held multiple ministerial portfolios throughout his career, including Finance, Irrigation, and Rural Development, consistently demonstrating a sharp understanding of economic policy and agricultural challenges facing the state. Known for his pragmatic approach to governance, Pawar often navigated complex political situations with a deftness that earned him both admiration and criticism. He was a powerful organizational figure within the NCP, instrumental in building its grassroots support and expanding its reach across Maharashtra.

While a loyal member of the NCP for the vast majority of his career, Pawar's political trajectory wasn't without its twists. His brief and controversial swearing-in as Deputy Chief Minister in 2019, alongside Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis, sent shockwaves through the state, ultimately leading to the collapse of the government and a realignment of political forces. Despite the controversy, he returned to the NCP fold and continued to play a significant role in state politics.

The Investigation and What Lies Ahead:

The DGCA investigation will be critical in determining the cause of the crash and preventing similar tragedies in the future. Experts are focusing on several areas, including the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's training and experience, and the possibility of any mechanical failures. The black box data will provide crucial insights into the final moments of the flight.

Beyond the investigation, Pawar's death leaves a significant void in Maharashtra's political landscape. The NCP is now facing a period of uncertainty as it seeks to fill the leadership gap. Questions are already being raised about the future direction of the party and the potential for internal power struggles. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be marked by political maneuvering and speculation as various factions vie for influence.

The loss of Ajit Pawar is not just a political tragedy; it's a personal loss for many who knew him as a dedicated public servant and a man committed to the welfare of Maharashtra. His contributions to the state will be remembered for generations to come.