A catastrophic aviation accident claimed the life of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and five fellow occupants near Baramati on Wednesday, as verified by the DGCA. The crash has sent shockwaves through India’s political corridors.
Pawar was flying in from Mumbai to rally supporters during pivotal local body polls. His plane approached the Baramati airstrip smoothly but spiraled out of control mid-landing at 9 AM, nose-diving into terrain and igniting a massive fire. The six souls aboard—Pawar, crew, and passengers—succumbed instantly.
The site turned into a frenzy of activity: firefighters dousing flames, ambulances on standby despite no survivors, and crowds in disbelief. Visuals depicted debris strewn widely, heavy smoke billowing, and rescue operations in full swing. Police officials noted three cadavers moved to a nearby medical facility.
Top DGCA investigators have descended upon the area, coordinating with local authorities and aviation brass. The probe will dissect flight data, maintenance logs, and meteorological conditions to pinpoint the failure.
News of the crash reached NCP’s core—Praful Patel, Supriya Sule, and Pawar’s kin in Delhi—who are en route. At 66, Ajit Pawar embodied resilience in politics, rising as NCP president and Deputy CM in the coalition government. His Baramati roots fueled agricultural and infrastructural booms.
Leaders from all parties expressed devastation, halting election fervor. Pawar’s abrupt exit not only orphans his party but challenges Maharashtra’s stability. In the coming days, tributes will honor his service, while safety protocols face renewed scrutiny amid this profound tragedy.