Ajit Pawar Death: CM Devendra Fadnavis Announces Three-Day State Mourning, Expresses Deep Grief

Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash. His private charter plane was going from Mumbai to Baramati. The plane crashed during landing at Baramati airport. Five people including Ajit Pawar died in the accident. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared three-day state mourning. He expressed deep sorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences. The entire political party and state are immersed in mourning.

What did Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis say?

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while talking to the press, described Ajit Pawar as a friend and colleague. He declared three days of mourning in the state. The Chief Minister said that he and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have reached Baramati. Decisions related to the last rites will be taken after talking to the family.

VIDEO | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expresses grief over the demise of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in an aircraft crash. He says, “This morning, a very tragic incident occurred. In extremely unforeseen circumstances, the news of the unfortunate demise of our state’s deputy chief… pic.twitter.com/sKIKJ5FvRW

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026

What is the Prime Minister's reaction?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences by posting on social media platform X. He described Ajit Pawar's death as shocking. The Prime Minister appreciated his hard work and public service and called it a big loss for Maharashtra.

Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and… pic.twitter.com/mdgwwGzw4R

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 28, 2026

What did the leaders of other parties say?

Other political leaders also expressed grief over this accident. Rahul Gandhi expressed deep condolences. Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule left for Baramati from Delhi. Mamta Banerjee demanded an investigation into the accident. Akhilesh Yadav and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed condolences. Many leaders talked about an impartial investigation into the incident.

Deeply shocked and pained to learn about the untimely demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Ajit Pawar.

Throughout his long public life, he remained committed to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He was known for his compassion for the people and his…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 28, 2026

महाराष्ट्र के उप मुख्यमंत्री श्री अजित पवार जी और उनके सहयात्रियों की आज हवाई जहाज दुर्घटना में निधन का समाचार अत्यंत पीड़ादायक है।

इस शोक के पल में महाराष्ट्र की जनता के साथ हूं। समस्त पवार परिवार और प्रियजनों को इस दुख की घड़ी में अपनी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूं।

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 28, 2026

How did the accident happen?

The plane took off from Mumbai on 28 January 2026 at around 8 am. It crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport. The plane slipped off the runway on the second attempt. A fire broke out and the plane broke into two pieces. There was smoke and debris scattered on the spot. The plane that was involved in the accident was a Learjet 45 model. Its registration number is stated as VT-SSK. The aircraft was being operated by VSR Aviation. DGCA has confirmed the death of five people. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will investigate the accident.

What will be the impact on Maharashtra politics?

This incident has dealt a big blow to Maharashtra politics. There is an atmosphere of mourning and uncertainty in NCP. Supporters are gathering in the hospital and Baramati. There will be three days of mourning in the state. Preparations for the last rites are underway.