Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his deep condolences on the sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash and announced a three-day State mourning over his death. Mr. Fadnavis also added that he and deputy CM Eknath Shinde are heading to Baramati.
“It is a very difficult day for Maharashtra today. For me, personally, I have lost a strong friend today. Eknath Shinde and I will leave for Baramati. I have spoken with the PM [Modi]. He has expressed grief. The entire country is mourning this loss. I had a word with Supriya Sule, Parth Pawar. Once the family reaches Baramati, further decisions will be taken,” Mr. Fadnavis said addressing the press.
A government holiday and three days of mourning was also declared in the State.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four other persons were killed after an aircraft carrying them crashed in Pune district on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) morning, officials said. The incident occurred when the plane carrying NCP leader Pawar (66) and others was trying to land in Pune’s Baramati area.
Deep loss for Maharashtra: Shinde
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) expressed grief at the demise of co-Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died after the charter plane carrying him crashed in Baramati.
He further said that an investigation into the crash will be conducted. “We will conduct a probe into this so that such incidents don’t happen again in the future.” Referring to the deceased NCP leader as “Ajit da”, Mr. Shinde recalled that it is a matter of deep sadness and a “deep loss for Maharashtra”.
“He and I were working as a team for the progress of Maharashtra and now with his demise a part of the team is no more and also my elder brother is gone,” Mr. Shinde told reporters in Mumbai.”We worked as a team alongside in the Cabinet itself, as a team we had started the Ladki Behen Yojana, and Ajit dada played an important role in it..” Mr. Shinde said.
The Shiv Sena leader said, “I pray that his family get the courage to tide over this moment of grief.” “Ajit Pawar’s demise is a great loss to the state, a black day for the state. This incident is a cause of great pain for everyone Our sahyogyi Ajit Pawar Dadaji died in a plane accident,” he said.
“He was a clear communicator, articulate and hardworking. He was straightforward and committed leader. Let me see, let me think... these words did not exist in his dictionary. He did not wait for anything, whatever he wanted to do he did it immediately and did not hesitate to say no to projects and schemes. Although he appeared to be a stern person, he was a man of good heart. I have personally experienced it” Mr. Shinde said.
The Shiv Sena leader said that “Ajit Pawar was a man who valued time and there were instances where he gave appointments to people as early as 6 a.m. He was a studious, courageous and disciplined leader.” Ajit Pawar was also Maharashtra’s Finance and Planning Minister and had in the past presented the Maharashtra Budget.
Deeply grieved, says Maharashtra Governor
Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan said he is deeply grieved by Ajit Pawar’s untimely demise.
“I am deeply grieved by the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar in the plane crash. May God grant eternal peace to the departed soul of late Shri Ajit Pawar and bestow strength upon the Pawar family, colleagues, and countless supporters to bear this tragic loss,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said.
Extremely shocking and unfortunate: Nitin Gadkari
Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said the demise of Ajit Pawar is extremely shocking and unfortunate.
“The news of the sudden demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Ajit Pawar ji is extremely shocking, unfortunate, and heartbreaking. My heartfelt tribute to him. Over the past many years, while working together in the State Legislature, I shared an extremely close bond with Ajit dada. His administrative acumen, developmental vision, and innate ability to connect with people have ensured that Ajit dada always holds an unassailable position in Maharashtra’s politics. The untimely passing of this people’s leader, who harboured aspirations for Maharashtra’s development, is not just a loss for Maharashtra but an irreplaceable one for the entire nation. On this sorrowful occasion, my condolences are with the entire Pawar family. May God grant peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti,” he said in a tweet in Hindi.
A black day for Maharashtra: Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut mourned the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, calling it “a black day” for the State.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Mr. Raut recalled Ajit Pawar’s works, lauding his stronghold over administration. He said that Pawar was known as a Minister who came fully prepared to the cabinet meetings.
Mr. Raut said, “Today is a black day for Maharashtra. When I heard the news that the plane with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on board had crashed, I was hoping that he would come out alright. But then I received the painful news. His demise has brought a mountain of sorrow to Maharashtra. His way of speaking and working and holding over administration...”
“He had a relationship with Baramati. He was also a Minister in Uddhav Thackeray’s Cabinet. He was known as a Minister who came to the Cabinet fully prepared. He had a deep study of important issues of the State, like irrigation and water. On behalf of Shiv Sena (UBT), Uddhav Thackeray expresses condolences and pays tribute,” the Sena (UBT) leader added.
Curated by James Chen
