Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Perishes in Baramati Plane Crash
In a devastating aviation tragedy, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar lost his life on Wednesday when his aircraft crashed while attempting to land in Baramati. The fatal incident claimed the lives of all five individuals on board, marking a profound loss for Maharashtra's political landscape.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The aircraft involved was a Learjet 45, registered as VT-SSK, which was en route to Baramati for a public rally related to the Zilla Parishad elections. According to flight-tracking data from Flightradar24, the plane took off and initially flew over the Arabian Sea before heading towards its destination.
The first landing attempt occurred around 8:30 am, but it was unsuccessful, likely due to poor visibility conditions. The aircraft then made a second approach to Baramati Airport. Tragically, during this second attempt at approximately 8:44 am, the plane burst into flames and crashed, resulting in no survivors.
Investigation and Immediate Aftermath
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that there were no survivors among those on board. Footage from the crash site depicted the wreckage severely burnt, with flames engulfing the aircraft post-impact. The other victims included a security officer, an attendant, and two crew members—the pilot-in-command and the first officer.
Hours before the crash, Ajit Pawar had posted a routine message on X, highlighting his government's achievements, such as establishing vocational training institutes and revising payment mechanisms for contractors. This post now stands as a poignant reminder of his final hours.
Political Legacy and Personal Loss
Ajit Pawar, who served as the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, albeit non-consecutively, leaves behind a significant political legacy. He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and his two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar.
Expressing profound grief, his brother Shriniwas Pawar stated, “It's a very sad moment for us. No one survived the crash. My son Yugendra is in the hospital at Baramati. We are all headed to Baramati. The last rites will be in Baramati.” The state government has declared a three-day mourning period, with Chief Minister Fadnavis condoling the loss.
This incident has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political circles, underscoring the unpredictable nature of aviation safety and the sudden void left by a key leader's untimely demise.
