Ajit Pawar plane crash: Chants of ‘Ajit Dada Amar Rahe’ echo as mortal remains are taken for last rites
Ajit Pawar plane crash: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, 66, passed away on Wednesday in a tragic plane crash in Baramati, and his last rites are slated to be held on Thursday, 29 January, at 11 am.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Updates: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar, 66, passed away on Wednesday in a tragic plane crash in Baramati, and his last rites are slated to be held on Thursday, 29 January, at 11 am at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit and other senior political figures are expected to be in attendance.
Three days of mourning have been announced in Maharashtra by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and national flags across the state will be flying at half-mast to honour the state's longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister.
What transpired? How did Ajit Pawar's plane crash?
Pawar's plane took off from Mumbai at around 8.10 am on Wednesday, and after 35 minutes in the air, it crash-landed at Baramati, where the NCP leader was headed to address public rallies ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections.
Shortly after the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that all five on board, including Pawar, his personal security officer, a flight attendant, and the two pilots, had perished.
The aircraft that crashed, a Learjet 45 by Bombardier Aerospace being operated by Delhi-based VSR Aviation, had reportedly undergone its first safety audit in February 2025, and VSR founder V K Singh attributed the crash to the pilot being unable to see the runway on which the plane was attempting to land. The airstrip in Baramati reportedly lacked navigational aids to enable automatic landing of the aircraft.
The probe into the crash has been taken over by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is being aided by the Pune police.
Grief across party lines: How leaders reacted
As news of Ajit Pawar's death broke, leaders across party lines, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to opposition leaders expressed their grief and shock at his passing.
Ajit Pawar's uncle and NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar, in an address on Wednesday evening, dismissed speculation on foul play started by Mamata Banerjee, saying, “Some people are trying to give a political colour to the incident. There is no politics involved; it is purely an accident. It has caused immense grief to me and to the entire state of Maharashtra. I appeal to everyone not to politicise this tragedy.”
As the day goes on, follow this space for LIVE updates from Ajit Pawar Plane Crash Updates:
Key Events
Ajit Pawar plane crash: Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh attends the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in Baramati | Watch
Ajit Pawar plane crash: Full state honours accorded to late Ajit Pawar ahead of funeral in Baramati
Full state honours were accorded to Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, on Thursday as his mortal remains were taken to the Vidya Pratishthan ground for the last rites. (ANI)
Ajit Pawar plane crash: MNS chief Raj Thackeray expresses condolences before NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar | Watch
MNS chief Raj Thackeray expresses condolences before NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar on the demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, in Baramati.
Ajit Pawar plane crash: Last rites of Ajit Pawar's PSO conducted in his native Satara village
The last rites of Vidip Dilip Jadhav, the personal security officer (PSO) of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, were performed by his family in their native village in Satara on Wednesday night.
His young son performed the last rites. (ANI)
Ajit Pawar plane crash: 'Ajit Pawar's contributions to Maharashtra politics are inspirational for everyone,' says Deepak Kesarkar
Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar on Thursday remembered Maharashtra Deputy CM and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Ajit Pawar for his "discipline and punctuality" after his demise in a plane crash.
Speaking to ANI, Kesarkar said, "Ajit Pawar's contributions to Maharashtra politics are inspirational for everyone. Dada did a lot of work with the cooperative sector. I will always remember him for his discipline and punctuality. His passing away is a huge loss to our state which cannot be compensated." he said.
Ajit Pawar plane crash: Chants of ‘Ajit Dada Amar Rahe’ echo as mortal remains are taken for last rites
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's supporters chant 'Ajit 'dada' amar rahe' as his mortal remains are being taken to Vidya Pratishthan ground for the last rites. His son Jay Pawar, nephew Rohit Pawar and other members of the Pawar family present.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash LIVE: Saamana mourns Ajit Pawar's demise, says without 'Dada' Maharashtra politics appears "weaker, slower and directionless"
Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, highlighting his influence and contribution to the State's politics.
In its editorial, Saamana described Ajit Pawar as a natural leader who demonstrated independent leadership despite working under his uncle Sharad Pawar's shadow. It said his sudden death was a cruel blow to Maharashtra, robbing the State of a strong and large-hearted leader. The editorial noted that Ajit Pawar was constantly on the move and deeply engaged in public life. (ANI)
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash LIVE: PSO of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar laid to rest with full state honours | Watch
Vidip Dilip Jadhav, the personal security officer (PSO) of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, was laid to rest with full state honours in his native village in Satara last night.
Jadhav was also on board the aircraft that crash-landed in Baramati yesterday, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and others.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash LIVE: Indian Air Force deploys dedicated team of Air Warriors-Here's why
“In response to civic authorities' urgent request after the tragic aircraft crash at Baramati Airport, the Indian Air Force has swiftly deployed a dedicated team of Air Warriors. They are providing essential basic Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Meteorological services to support safe air operations from the site. This rapid assistance underscores IAF's commitment to national service in times of need,” the Indian Air Force said in a post on X.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash LIVE: Emotional supporter breaks down in tears while paying tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar | Watch
Emotional supporter breaks down in tears while paying tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who passed away yesterday after the aircraft he was travelling in crashed in Baramati, claiming the lives of all those on board.
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash LIVE: Massive crowd gathers at Vidya Pratishthan ground ahead of NCP leader's last rites | Watch
CRPF and Police have been deployed for crowd management as a massive crowd gathers at Vidya Pratishthan ground ahead of Ajit Pawar's last rites.
Ajit Pawar passed away yesterday after the aircraft he was travelling in crashed in Baramati, claiming the lives of all those on board. (ANI)
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash LIVE: 'Ajit Pawar's way of working was unique and unmatched across the entire country,' says a party worker | Watch
Maharashtra: On the death of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a crash landing yesterday, a party worker says, "It is very difficult for workers like us to believe that he is no longer in this world. His way of working was unique and unmatched across the entire country. Whatever task he took up, he found peace only after completing it... His contribution to the development of Maharashtra is immense, and it will continue to guide, inspire, and motivate future generations and workers like us to keep working with the same dedication." (PTI)
Ajit Pawar Plane Crash LIVE: ADR registered in Ajit Pawar air crash case, probe underway
Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at Baramati Taluka Police Station in connection with the air crash in which Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life. Further investigation initiated: Police official, Pune Rural Police. (ANI)
Ajit Pawar Funeral Updates: Last rites of Ajit Pawar to be held at 11 am today
The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy CM late Ajit Pawar will be held at Vidya Pratishthan ground at 11 am today, ANI reported.
He passed away yesterday when the aircraft he was travelling in crashed in Baramati, killing all on board.
Ajit Pawar Funeral Updates: Jay Pawar, son of Maharashtra Deputy CM late Ajit Pawar, at their residence in Katewadi | Watch
Jay Pawar, son of Maharashtra Deputy CM late Ajit Pawar, at their residence in Katewadi
Ajit Pawar Funeral Updates: Ajit Pawar's contributions to Maharashtra politics are inspirational, says Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar | Watch
Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar says, "Ajit Pawar's contributions to Maharashtra politics are inspirational for everyone. Dada did a lot of work with the cooperative sector. I will always remember him for his discipline and punctuality. His passing away is a huge loss to our state which cannot be compensated."
Ajit Pawar Funeral Updates: Visuals from the site in Baramati where a charter plane crash landed yesterday | Watch
Visuals from the site in Baramati where a charter plane crash landed yesterday, claiming the lives of all five people on board, including Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. Police and NDRF personnel are present here.
Ajit Pawar Funeral Updates: Preparations for the funeral of NCP Chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar are underway | Watch
Preparations for the funeral of NCP Chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar are underway at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati.
He passed away yesterday when the aircraft he was travelling in crashed in Baramati, killing all on board.
Ajit Pawar News Updates: Mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar brought to his Katewadi home ahead of last rites | Watch
Ajit Pawar News Updates: Latest visuals from the Baramati plane crash site
Ajit Pawar News Updates: Security beefed up outside Baramati airport ahead of leaders' arrival for NCP leader's last rights
Ajit Pawar News Updates: Son of late Maharashtra Dy CM visits hospital ahead of last rites
Ajit Pawar News Updates: Visuals show preparations for Maharashtra Dy CM's last rites
Preparations for the funeral of NCP Chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar are underway at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati.
Ajit Pawar News Updates: Supporters begin gathering outside hospital to catch glimpse of NCP leader ahead of last rites
Ajit Pawar's supporters gather outside Ahilyabai Holkar Government Medical College to catch a last glimpse of their leader ahead of his final journey and last rites.
Ajit Pawar News Updates: NCP leader breaks down ahead of Maharashtra Dy CM's funeral
"It feels as if Baramati is finished now. Our leader has passed away... Dada considered us as his family. We have lost the eldest in our family. Who will we go to now?... Everyone in Baramati has been crying since yesterday morning...," NCP leader Yogesh Nale told ANI, breaking down at his party leader's death.
Ajit Pawar News Updates: Visuals show carriage that will carry mortal remains of Maharashtra Dy CM for his final journey
The carriage carrying Ajit Pawar's mortal remains will start from the Vidya Pratishthan Campus, pass through Baramati, and culminate at Vidya Pratishthan Ground for the funeral.
Ajit Pawar News Updates: Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav, son Aaditya Thackeray visit Pawar's Baramati residence
Ajit Pawar News Updates: PM Modi, HM Amit Shah likely to attend last rites
Reports suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah will be present at the last rites of Ajit Pawar.
Ajit Pawar News Updates: Mortal remains at Vidya Pratishthan ahead of last rites
Ajit Pawar's mortal remains were brought to Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati ahead of his last rites, and a sea of mourners gathered for a last ‘darshan’.
Ajit Pawar News Updates: Maharashtra Dy CM's last rites to be performed with full state honours
The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar will be performed with full state honours, ANI reported citing the the Maharashtra General Administration Department (Protocol) informs.
During the three-day mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings across Maharashtra where it is regularly hoisted. No government entertainment programmes will be organized during this period.
All state government offices across Maharashtra were closed on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.