ajit pawar plane crash

Yugendra Pawar

Tragedy, Tears & Turmoil — A Political Stronghold Shaken

Incident Details: Crash That Shocked Maharashtra

On January 27, 2026, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a tragic aircraft accident. The Learjet 45 he was flying in crashed just before landing near Baramati Airport at around 8:45 AM while en route to a rally ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections.

The crash claimed the lives of five people: Ajit Pawar, two pilots, a flight attendant and his security officer. The jet burst into flames in an open field.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep condolences and contacted Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Modi posted on X offering prayers for the affected families.

Yugendra Pawar’s Heart-Wrenching Reaction

Videos circulating on social media show Yugendra Pawar, nephew of Ajit Pawar and leader of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), breaking down in public upon receiving the devastating news. The footage shows him sobbing uncontrollably while speaking on the phone, visibly overwhelmed by grief.

Senior party leader Anil Deshmukh was also seen visibly emotional while addressing reporters.

Family & Political Background

Yugendra is the son of Shrinivas Pawar, brother of Ajit Pawar, and a prominent figure within the Sharad Pawar camp despite longstanding family political differences.

A native of Baramati, he studied finance and insurance at Northeastern University, Boston, and is involved in the family’s Sharayu Group, which operates in real estate, logistics, and agriculture. He also serves as treasurer at Vidya Pratishthan — an institute linked to Sharad Pawar — and leads the Baramati Taluka Kustigir Parishad, focusing on social initiatives through the Sharayu Foundation, including marathons and wrestling events.

Political Rivalry & Context

Yugendra contested the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections from Baramati against his uncle Ajit Pawar, highlighting water scarcity, corruption, and development issues with support from Sharad Pawar. Although Ajit emerged victorious, the recent tragedy has momentarily unified the family in grief.

In November 2025, Yugendra had publicly accused Ajit Pawar’s faction of using money to secure unopposed victories in Baramati Municipal polls.

Ongoing Developments & Mourning

Following the crash, senior family members including Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, and Sunetra Pawar rushed to Baramati. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra’s political community, with state leaders expected at the January 28 funeral held at Vidya Pratishthan.

Yugendra’s public display of emotion has become one of the defining images of the day, highlighting the personal toll of the loss amid ongoing political tensions within the Pawar family.

1. Plane Crash Incident — Baramati Airport

On January 28, 2026, the chartered aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crash-landed while arriving at Baramati Airport. The flight, which originated from Mumbai, encountered a serious landing issue, prompting an immediate emergency response. Initial reports confirm that Pawar and several other passengers were injured. Authorities are currently focusing on rescue and medical efforts, while the DGCA is expected to launch an investigation into the cause and aviation safety protocols.

2. Health Update & Emergency Response

Medical teams rushed to the scene as soon as the aircraft crash-landed. Pawar and the other injured passengers were quickly taken for treatment. Official health updates remain limited, but government sources indicate that stabilizing Pawar’s condition is the top priority. Further details are awaited as doctors continue assessments.

3. Recent Civic Poll Defeat — NCP Setback

Just weeks prior to the crash, on January 17, Ajit Pawar acknowledged defeat in Maharashtra’s municipal corporation elections. The NCP underperformed in key urban centers like Pune, leading Pawar to accept the electoral outcome and pledge to return with “double vigour.” Analysts believe that recent efforts to unify the Pawar political legacy did not translate into voter confidence, weakening the party’s traditional strongholds.

4. NCP Faction Dynamics & Political Statements

Amid internal tensions within the Nationalist Congress Party, Pawar addressed speculation and factional rivalries earlier in January. On January 12, he dismissed rumours about rival NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule defecting to the BJP, joking that he is “not an astrologer.” Earlier statements on January 9 emphasized that workers from both NCP factions were eager for unity and that long-standing family tensions were “resolved.” These remarks highlight Pawar’s ongoing attempts to manage party cohesion within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

5. Broader Political Context

As NCP president and Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister — overseeing key portfolios like irrigation and finance — Ajit Pawar plays a central role in state politics. His recent civic poll setback and continuing factional challenges were already testing his leadership. The plane crash adds an unexpected layer of uncertainty that could affect upcoming political strategies. Observers are closely watching official health bulletins, as Pawar’s condition may influence the broader balance of power in the state.