Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Killed in Fiery Plane Crash Near Baramati.......

In a devastating turn of events this morning, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar perished in a plane crash alongside four others, sending shockwaves across India's political landscape.

The incident unfolded around 8:45 am when the chartered Bombardier Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK), carrying Pawar from Mumbai to his family stronghold of Baramati, attempted an emergency landing at Baramati Airport. Flight tracking data indicates the aircraft made a first approach before circling for a second attempt, but it veered off the runway, crashing into an open field just short of the threshold, roughly 100 meters away. Eyewitnesses described the plane appearing unstable in the air before it slammed into the ground, erupting into intense flames with multiple explosions that prevented immediate rescue efforts by locals.

All five on board, the 66-year-old Pawar, two aides including his security officer Vidhit Jadhav, pilots Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak, and flight attendant Pinky Mali, were killed instantly. Videos from the scene showed mangled wreckage engulfed in fire and thick black smoke billowing into the sky, with ambulances rushing to the site amid poor visibility conditions reported at the uncontrolled airstrip.

Pawar, popularly known as "Ajitdada," was en route to campaign for upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, planning to address multiple public meetings. A seasoned politician with deep grassroots ties, he was the nephew of NCP founder Sharad Pawar and had navigated complex alliances, including a notable split in the NCP to align with the BJP-led government, where he served as Deputy Chief Minister.

The crash has left Maharashtra in mourning.  

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a probe, with officials examining weather, aircraft maintenance, and landing conditions. Pawar's mortal remains were moved to Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati for public respects, with his funeral slated for January 29 with full state honors.

This loss deprives Maharashtra of a dynamic administrator known for decisive governance. Tributes continue to pour in as the state grapples with the sudden void in its leadership.