The morning of January 28, 2026 , will be etched in the history of Maharashtra as a day of profound loss. In a tragedy that has sent shockwaves across the nation, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Ajit Pawar passed away in a fatal plane crash in his hometown of Baramati . At approximately 8:45 AM , the chartered Learjet 45 (Registration: VT-SSK ) carrying Pawar and four others lost control while attempting to land at Baramati Airport. According to eyewitnesses and preliminary reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) , the aircraft appeared unstable during its final descent, veered off the side of the runway, and exploded upon impact. There were no survivors. Along with the 66-year-old leader, his personal security officer (PSO), a personal attendant, and the two pilots on board—the Pilot-in-Command and the First Officer—perished in the ensuing blaze. 1. The Final Flight: Timeline of a Tragedy Ajit Pawar’s day began in Mumbai, where he had been attending high-level cabinet committee meetings chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis just 24 hours prior. His flight took off from Mumbai at 8:10 AM , bound for Baramati, where he was scheduled to address four major public rallies ahead of the crucial Zilla Parishad elections . 8:10 AM: The aircraft departs Mumbai. 8:40 AM: Flight Radar data shows the aircraft beginning its descent toward Baramati. 8:45 AM: The aircraft disappears from radar at the threshold of Runway 11. 8:48 AM: Local authorities and airport staff report a massive explosion and fire at the crash site. The intensity of the fire, fueled by aviation fuel, made rescue operations impossible despite the immediate response of local firefighters and villagers. Source : NDTV The crash site at Baramati Airport: Local emergency responders found the Learjet 45 completely destroyed by fire, with no survivors reported on board. 2. The Victim: Ajit 'Dada' Pawar’s Legacy Known affectionately as "Dada" (elder brother) across Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar was a titan of the state's political landscape. As the nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar , he carved out a distinct identity characterized by administrative efficiency and a "no-nonsense" approach to governance. Administrative Record: He served as the Deputy CM of Maharashtra for a record six terms under diverse administrations—from Prithviraj Chavan and Uddhav Thackeray to Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde. Political Shift: In 2024, he took the historic step of being awarded the original NCP party name and symbol by the Election Commission, marking a significant split from his uncle Sharad Pawar. Baramati Connection: For decades, he was the architect of Baramati's development, turning it into a model of cooperative-led industrial and agricultural growth. His sudden absence leaves a massive vacuum not just in the NCP, but in the ruling Mahayuti alliance. 3. Technical Analysis: The Aircraft and VSR Aviation The aircraft involved, a Bombardier Learjet 45 , is a twin-engine light business jet often used for VIP transport. Operated by VSR Aviation , the jet (VT-SSK) was considered a reliable workhorse. However, investigators are now scrutinizing the maintenance records of the operator. Initial Findings: DGCA reports suggest the aircraft may have encountered an "unstable approach". Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple explosions after the plane hit the ground, suggesting a fuel-related rupture. Past Records: Interestingly, a Learjet operated by a VSR-linked entity was involved in a non-fatal accident back in 2023, which is likely to become a focal point of the current investigation. Forensic Focus: Investigators are analyzing the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of the Learjet 45 to establish the cause of the fatal crash. 4. National Reaction: A Country in Mourning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were among the first to express their condolences. In a personal message, PM Modi stated he was “deeply saddened by the tragic air crash,” noting Pawar’s immense contribution to Maharashtra’s growth. In Baramati, a complete shutdown was observed. Visuals from the ground showed NCP party workers and local residents breaking down in tears as the news was confirmed. Political rivals, including Priyanka Chaturvedi and Supriya Sule , expressed heart-rending grief, setting aside political differences to honor a man who "kept to his work". 5. The Aftermath: Political and Personal Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar (Rajya Sabha MP), and their two sons, Parth and Jay Pawar . His family, along with Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, have reportedly departed for Baramati for the final rites. Political Impact: The upcoming Zilla Parishad elections, which Pawar was en route to address, will likely see a significant shift in dynamics. The NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) faces the immediate challenge of identifying a successor who can manage the complex coalition politics of Maharas