Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar killed in plane crash

Overview

Ajit Pawar, who served as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister six times over three decades, died on January 28, 2026, aged 66, when his chartered Learjet crashed at Baramati Airport. His wife Sunetra Pawar was sworn in as his successor on January 31, becoming the state's first woman Deputy Chief Minister and taking three portfolios. Recent developments include her upgraded Z-Plus security cover, allotment of the official Devgiri bungalow, and Pawar family endorsement as NCP chief on February 5.

In This Story

3 Videos

10 People

4 Orgs

42 Events

5 Key Stats

4 Scenarios

NCP Factions Reunite Under Sharad Pawar

3 Context

YS Rajasekhara Reddy Helicopter Crash (2009)

Key Indicators

NCP legislators in Sunetra Pawar's faction

These MLAs now follow Sunetra Pawar as legislative party leader

Feb 12

Planned merger date

NCP factions were set to reunite but process stalled after Ajit's death; talks on back burner

230

Mahayuti coalition seats

The ruling alliance holds a commanding majority in the 288-seat assembly amid NCP uncertainty

45 days

AAIB preliminary report deadline

Investigation into Baramati crash cause expected by mid-March 2026

Z-Plus

Sunetra Pawar's security level

Upgraded from X category following her appointment as Deputy CM

Interactive

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Thomas Paine

(1737-1809) · Revolutionary · politics

Fictional AI pastiche — not real quote.

"A government built upon defection rather than principle dies with its architect—for loyalty purchased is never loyalty earned. Here we witness not tragedy, but the natural consequence of placing personal ambition above the common good: a coalition of forty-one legislators now wanders leaderless, having traded conviction for convenience."

Ambrose Bierce

(1842-1914) · Gilded Age · wit

Fictional AI pastiche — not real quote.

"POLITICIAN, n. A statesman who achieves immortality by defecting from his uncle's party—though in this case, the Learjet proved a swifter conveyance to that destination than betrayal alone. Now forty-one legislators must decide whether loyalty follows the living or the dead, demonstrating once more that in politics, principle is merely the name we give to profitable timing."

Ever wondered what historical figures would say about today's headlines?

Debate Arena

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People Involved

Ajit Pawar

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra (deceased) (Killed in plane crash on January 28, 2026)

Sharad Pawar

President of NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) (85-year-old patriarch of Pawar political dynasty; now heads rival NCP faction)

Devendra Fadnavis

Chief Minister of Maharashtra (Leading Mahayuti coalition; now faces uncertainty over NCP faction's loyalty)

Sunetra Pawar

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra; holds Excise, Sports and Youth Welfare, and Welfare and Minorities Development portfolios; Pawar family backed NCP chief (Sworn in January 31 as first woman Deputy CM; granted Z-Plus security February 4; allotted Devgiri bungalow February 5; faces legal challenge to appointment)

Parth Pawar

Son of Ajit Pawar (Potential political heir; has maintained low profile since 2019 electoral defeat)

Nilesh Nikam

NCP Leader (Mentioned as potential successor to lead NCP faction)

Rohit Pawar

MLA and grandson of Sharad Pawar (MLA; states Sunetra Pawar will speak on merger after Feb 9 mourning period)

Sunil Tatkare

NCP Maharashtra State President (Senior leader in Ajit Pawar's faction)

Praful Patel

NCP National Working President; incoming NCP National President (Leading NCP delegation in succession discussions; set to be appointed as national party president alongside Sunetra Pawar's state leadership)

Sanjay Raut

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader (Opposition leader advocating NCP reunification)

Organizations Involved

Nationalist Congress Party

Political Party

Status: Faction led by Sunetra Pawar; Pawar family backs her as chief; merger talks stalled and pushed to back burner

The faction that broke from the original NCP in July 2023, winning recognition as the official party from the Election Commission in February 2024.

Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar

Political Party

Status: Merger with Ajit faction was scheduled for February 12; now faces roadblock following Ajit's death

The original NCP led by founder Sharad Pawar, forced to add his name to the party title after losing the official designation.

Mahayuti (Grand Alliance)

Political Coalition

Status: Ruling coalition in Maharashtra with 230 of 288 assembly seats

The ruling coalition comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar's NCP faction.

Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau

Government Agency

Status: Leading Baramati crash probe; preliminary report due within 45 days

India's civil aviation accident investigation authority, responsible for determining the cause of the crash.

Timeline

Lawyer Challenges Sunetra Pawar's Deputy CM Legality
Legal

Lawyer Harshvardhan Godghate filed challenge arguing Sunetra Pawar's swearing-in was illegal as she is neither elected MLA nor holds governor's pleasure; wrote to Maharashtra Governor.
February 5th, 2026
Pawar Family Backs Sunetra as NCP Chief
Political

Pawar family members endorsed Sunetra Pawar as NCP chief during meeting; Rohit Pawar stated she will speak on merger issue after Feb 9 mourning period ends.
February 5th, 2026
Devgiri Bungalow Allotted to Sunetra Pawar
Official

Maharashtra government officially allotted Devgiri bungalow, formerly occupied by Ajit Pawar, to Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar.
February 5th, 2026
Sunetra Pawar Granted Z-Plus Security
Official

Maharashtra government upgraded security cover for Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar to Z-Plus category, highest level including armed personnel and bulletproof vehicles.
February 4th, 2026
AAIB Sets 45-Day Deadline for Crash Preliminary Report
Investigation

Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau announced preliminary report on Ajit Pawar plane crash due within 45 days; probe examines low visibility, second landing attempt, and black box data.
February 2nd, 2026
NCP Legislative Party Meeting Scheduled to Elect Sunetra Pawar
Political

NCP scheduled legislative party meeting at Vidhan Bhavan at 2pm to formally elect Sunetra Pawar as legislative party leader. All 40 assembly MLAs and 9 state council members summoned by state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare.
January 31st, 2026 • 2:00 PM
Sunetra Pawar Swearing-in as Deputy CM Scheduled
Political

Sunetra Pawar scheduled to be sworn in as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister at 5pm at Raj Bhavan, becoming the state's first woman to hold the position. Expected to receive Excise and Sports portfolios.
January 31st, 2026 • 5:00 PM
Sharad Pawar Distances Himself from Sunetra's Appointment
Political

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar claimed he had no knowledge of Sunetra Pawar's swearing-in, stating he learned about it through media reports, highlighting continued tension between the rival NCP factions despite merger speculation.
January 31st, 2026
Sunetra Pawar Sworn In as Deputy Chief Minister
Political

Sunetra Pawar took oath as Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, administered by Governor Acharya Devvrat. The ceremony witnessed emotional scenes with chants of 'Ajit Dada Amar Rahe' from hundreds of party workers.
January 31st, 2026 • 5:00 PM
Sharad Pawar Reveals Merger Scheduled for February 12
Political

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar disclosed that merger between the rival NCP factions was scheduled for February 12, with negotiations underway for four months between Ajit Pawar and Jayant Patil. Pawar stated the merger process now faces a roadblock due to Ajit's death but expressed hope that 'Ajit's wish to unite the two factions should be fulfilled.'
January 31st, 2026
Legislative Party Meeting Elects Sunetra Pawar as Leader
Political

NCP legislative party meeting at Vidhan Bhavan unanimously elected Sunetra Pawar as leader of the 41-member faction. All MLAs and state council members attended the meeting convened by state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare.
January 31st, 2026 • 2:00 PM
PM Modi Congratulates Sunetra Pawar on Appointment
Political

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sunetra Pawar on her appointment as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, stating she would fulfill Ajit Pawar's dreams and vision for the state.
January 31st, 2026
Sunetra Pawar Allocated Three Portfolios
Political

New Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar received three portfolios previously held by Ajit Pawar: Excise, Sports and Youth Welfare, and Welfare and Minorities Development. She stated she would 'work tirelessly and honestly' in the roles.
January 31st, 2026 • afternoon
Raj Thackeray Questions NCP Leadership Succession
Political

MNS chief Raj Thackeray made controversial remarks that NCP's leadership should be in Marathi hands, indirectly targeting Praful Patel's expected appointment as national president with comment 'NCP president should be a Patil, not a Patel.'
January 31st, 2026
Sanjay Raut Claims BJP Blocking NCP Merger
Political

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut stated that merger of NCP factions was possible when Ajit Pawar was alive, but accused BJP of being a 'hindrance' to the factions joining hands, suggesting coalition politics may prevent reunification.
January 31st, 2026
NCP Delegation Meets Fadnavis on Leadership Succession
Political

High-level NCP delegation including Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Chhagan Bhujbal, Hasan Mushrif and Dhananjay Munde met CM Fadnavis to discuss election of new legislative party leader and Deputy CM. Legislative party meeting scheduled for Sunday to elect new leader.
January 30th, 2026 • afternoon
Merger Talks Confirmed as 'Very Much On Course'
Political

Sources confirmed merger discussions between NCP factions remain active despite Ajit Pawar's death. Original plan called for February 8 merger announcement. Close aide revealed Ajit was '100% keen' on reunification and told associates 'entire process was complete' five days before crash.
January 30th, 2026
Three Crash Theories Emerge from CCTV Analysis
Investigation

AAIB investigation analyzing newly surfaced CCTV footage examining three possible crash scenarios: aerodynamic stall, engine failure, or late visual alignment with runway. Black box data being analyzed to reconstruct speed, angle of attack, engine performance and pilot inputs during final moments.
January 30th, 2026
Praful Patel Emerges as Leadership Contender
Political

National working president Praful Patel positioned as potential successor to lead NCP faction, given his seniority and experience. Led delegation meeting with CM Fadnavis and announced legislative party meeting to elect new leader.
January 30th, 2026
NCP Legislative Party Meeting to Elect Sunetra Pawar as Leader
Political

NCP holds formal legislative party meeting at Vidhan Bhavan at 2pm to elect Sunetra Pawar as legislative party leader. State NCP chief Sunil Tatkare sent letters to all 40 assembly MLAs and 9 state council members requiring attendance. Swearing-in ceremony as Deputy CM scheduled for 5pm at Raj Bhavan.
January 30th, 2026 • 2:00 PM
Fadnavis Backs Sunetra Pawar for Deputy CM
Political

CM Devendra Fadnavis publicly stated 'I will stand by whatever they decide' after NCP pitched Sunetra Pawar for Deputy CM position. BJP confirms support for NCP's leadership choice. If appointed, Sunetra would become Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister.
January 30th, 2026 • morning
Praful Patel to Become NCP National President
Political

NCP announces Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel will be appointed as new national president of the Nationalist Congress Party, alongside Sunetra Pawar's elevation to state legislative leader and Deputy CM.
January 30th, 2026
Parth Pawar to Be Nominated to Rajya Sabha
Political

NCP sources indicate Ajit Pawar's son Parth Pawar will be nominated to Rajya Sabha as part of succession arrangements, while Sunetra Pawar takes Deputy CM position.
January 30th, 2026
NCP-SP Confirms Merger Talks, NCP Remains Silent
Political

Sharad Pawar's NCP-SP faction publicly claims merger talks had finalized and were awaiting formal announcement. Senior leader Eknath Khadse stated talks had been ongoing for 3-4 months. However, Ajit Pawar's NCP maintained silence, with state president Sunil Tatkare stating only legislative party leader selection is currently being discussed.
January 30th, 2026
Last Rites Performed with Full State Honours
Official

Ajit Pawar's last rites were conducted at Vidya Pratishthan Grounds in Baramati with full state honours.
January 29th, 2026 • 11:00 AM
Senior NCP Leaders Push for Sunetra Pawar as Deputy CM
Political

During a meeting of senior NCP party leaders, a large majority made a strong case for Sunetra Pawar's elevation as party chief and Deputy Chief Minister. FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal stated that the public wants Sunetra brought into the state ministry.
January 29th, 2026 • evening
Federal Government Confirms Time-Bound Investigation
Investigation

Ministry of Civil Aviation informed Maharashtra CM that black box has been secured for detailed analysis. Centre stated the AAIB investigation will be conducted in a thorough, transparent and time-bound manner, examining all technical records and operational details.
January 29th, 2026 • afternoon
Merger Talks Details Revealed
Political

NCP (SP) leader Eknath Khadse revealed that after two-and-a-half months of deliberations with Sharad Pawar's consent, a decision to merge both factions had been taken. The final announcement was planned after February 5 Zilla Parishad polls, where both factions would fight under the clock symbol.
January 29th, 2026
Nilesh Nikam Appointed Leader of Opposition in Civic Body
Political

NCP Pune city president Sunil Tingre and party leader Subhash Jagtap announced Nilesh Nikam will take over as Leader of the Opposition in the civic body, where NCP holds the second-largest party position.
January 29th, 2026
Ajit Pawar Killed in Baramati Plane Crash
Incident

A Learjet 45XR carrying Pawar crashed during a second landing approach at Baramati Airport. All five aboard died. The crew had reported the runway was not in sight during final approach.
January 28th, 2026 • 8:44 AM
Maharashtra Declares Three Days of Mourning
Official

The state government declared three days of mourning. Flags flew at half-staff, government offices closed, and public events were cancelled.
January 28th, 2026
AAIB Team Reaches Crash Site, Black Box Recovered
Investigation

Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau team initiated forensic probe at crash site. Black box recovered and transported to laboratory for analysis of flight data recorder, EGPWS, and digital engine systems.
January 28th, 2026 • evening
Fadnavis and Shinde Meet Sunetra Pawar
Political

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde met with Sunetra Pawar to offer condolences. PM Modi and Amit Shah planned visit to Baramati.
January 28th, 2026 • afternoon
NCP Factions Form Local Electoral Alliance
Political

The rival NCP factions formed alliances for municipal elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, fueling speculation of a broader reconciliation.
January 16th, 2026
Fadnavis Sworn in as CM, Pawar as Deputy CM
Political

Devendra Fadnavis became Chief Minister for a third term, with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Ministers.
December 5th, 2024
Mahayuti Wins Landslide in Maharashtra Elections
Electoral

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance won 235 of 288 assembly seats. Ajit Pawar's NCP faction secured 41 seats, cementing his position in the coalition.
November 23rd, 2024
Sunetra Pawar Loses Baramati Lok Sabha Seat
Electoral

Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra lost the Baramati parliamentary seat to Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter, in a contest that highlighted the family's political divide.
May 1st, 2024
Assembly Speaker Confirms Ajit Faction as Real NCP
Legal

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar dismissed a petition to disqualify Ajit Pawar's MLAs, cementing the faction's legal standing.
March 5th, 2024
Election Commission Awards NCP Name to Ajit Faction
Legal

The Election Commission of India recognized Ajit Pawar's faction as the official NCP, granting it the party name and clock symbol based on legislative majority.
February 6th, 2024
NCP Splits as Ajit Pawar Joins Ruling Coalition
Political

Ajit Pawar led 40 MLAs out of the NCP and was sworn in as Deputy CM in the BJP-Shiv Sena government, formally splitting the party his uncle founded.
July 2nd, 2023
Sharad Pawar Announces Retirement, Then Reverses
Political

NCP chief Sharad Pawar announced he would step down, prompting emotional appeals from supporters. He reversed the decision, but the episode exposed internal tensions.
May 1st, 2023
Ajit Pawar's First Defection
Political

Ajit Pawar briefly defected to join a BJP-led government as Deputy CM. The government collapsed in 80 hours after the Supreme Court ordered a floor test.
November 23rd, 2019

Scenarios

NCP Factions Reunite Under Sharad Pawar

Discussed by: Political analysts at The Week, Siasat, and opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut

With Ajit Pawar gone and no clear successor commanding similar loyalty, the 41 MLAs in his faction could return to Sharad Pawar's camp. The two factions had already begun cooperating on local elections. A reunion would subtract 41 seats from the Mahayuti's majority and revive the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi ahead of 2029. However, family tensions—particularly between Sunetra Pawar and Sharad Pawar—and the question of who would lead a reunited party complicate this path.

Sunetra or Parth Pawar Takes Over NCP Faction

Discussed by: The Week, India.com, and party observers

Ajit Pawar's widow Sunetra, a sitting Rajya Sabha member, or his son Parth could assume leadership of the faction and maintain the alliance with the BJP. Sunetra has political experience and institutional relationships; Parth has the family name but limited electoral track record. Either path would preserve the status quo but require building credibility with legislators who followed Ajit personally.

BJP Absorbs NCP Legislators Directly

Discussed by: Political analysts quoted by Outlook India and DNA India

Without Ajit Pawar to anchor the NCP as a distinct coalition partner, some or all of the 41 MLAs could join the BJP directly. This would simplify the coalition structure but eliminate the NCP faction as an independent force. Chief Minister Fadnavis has described the BJP's alliance with NCP as 'strategic' rather than 'emotional,' suggesting flexibility on both sides.

NCP Faction Fragments, Coalition Weakens

Discussed by: Political analysts at Siasat and Business Standard

Without a strong leader, the NCP faction could splinter. Some MLAs might return to Sharad Pawar, others might join the BJP, and still others might attempt to remain independent. This fragmentation would create ongoing uncertainty in the Mahayuti coalition and complicate governance ahead of key elections including BMC polls.

Historical Context

YS Rajasekhara Reddy Helicopter Crash (2009)

September 2009

What Happened

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, 60, was killed when his state government helicopter crashed in the Nallamala forests while flying to inspect drought relief. The sitting Chief Minister was among the most powerful politicians in southern India. His body was found the next day, charred beyond recognition.

Outcome

Short Term

The Congress party denied YSR's son Jagan Mohan Reddy the chief ministership, appointing the finance minister instead. This sparked a succession crisis within the state Congress.

Long Term

Jagan broke from Congress in 2010 and founded the YSR Congress Party, which won a landslide in 2019 and destroyed Congress's presence in the state. The father's sudden death and party's subsequent mishandling of succession created an entirely new political force.

Why It's Relevant Today

Like Ajit Pawar, YSR's death in an aviation accident created an immediate succession crisis. The parallel raises questions about whether the NCP will handle leadership transition in a way that preserves the party or fractures it.

Madhavrao Scindia Plane Crash (2001)

September 2001

What Happened

Senior Congress leader Madhavrao Scindia, a former civil aviation minister and prominent figure in the Maratha royal family, was killed when his 10-seater aircraft crashed near Kanpur due to poor weather. He was traveling to a political rally. He was 56 years old and widely seen as a potential future Prime Minister.

Outcome

Short Term

The Congress party lost one of its most dynamic campaigners during a period when the party was in opposition nationally.

Long Term

Scindia's son Jyotiraditya later became a prominent Congress leader before defecting to the BJP in 2020, bringing down the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh—echoing patterns of family-based political realignments.

Why It's Relevant Today

Both Scindia and Ajit Pawar were traveling to political events in private aircraft when weather contributed to fatal crashes. Both deaths raised questions about aviation safety for political leaders and created succession dynamics that reshaped their parties.

Steve Jobs Returns to Apple (1997)

1985-1997

What Happened

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was forced out of his own company in 1985 after a boardroom struggle. He founded NeXT and Pixar. Twelve years later, Apple—near bankruptcy—acquired NeXT and Jobs returned, eventually becoming CEO and transforming the company.

Outcome

Short Term

Jobs immediately began cutting product lines and refocusing Apple's strategy.

Long Term

Jobs led Apple to become the world's most valuable company through the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. His return is now a textbook case of founder rehabilitation.

Why It's Relevant Today

While the circumstances differ dramatically, the Pawar family split echoes patterns of founder-family business disputes. The question now is whether Sharad Pawar, like Jobs, can reclaim control of the organization he built—or whether the split becomes permanent through new leadership.