In a shocking development that has sent ripples across the political landscape of Maharashtra, a chartered plane carrying Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed on Wednesday morning at Baramati airport. The incident occurred around 8:45 AM while the aircraft was attempting to land.
The Incident: What We Know So Far
The aircraft, identified as a Learjet 45 (registration VT-SSK), had been chartered from Mumbai. Ajit Pawar was traveling to his hometown of Baramati to address a series of public meetings ahead of the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections.
According to preliminary reports from the Baramati airport manager, the aircraft veered off the runway during its final approach and exploded upon impact. Visuals from the site showed a grim scene—mangled wreckage engulfed in flames with thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky.
Casualties and Condition
The situation remains fluid as rescue operations continue. However, early reports from several major news outlets, including The Economic Times and Hindustan Times, indicate a devastating outcome.
- Reported Fatalities: Official sources have shared fears that Ajit Pawar, along with three others on board—including security personnel and pilots—have lost their lives in the crash. Some reports suggest the death toll could be as high as six.
- Immediate Response: Local residents and emergency teams were the first to reach the spot. Those pulled from the wreckage were rushed to nearby hospitals, but the intensity of the fire made rescue efforts extremely difficult.
Political Reactions and Investigation
The news has led to an immediate outpouring of grief and concern. Senior political figures, including Supriya Sule, Sunetra Pawar, and Parth Pawar, reportedly left for Baramati immediately upon hearing the news.
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a high-level inquiry into the crash. While technical difficulties during the final approach are suspected, investigators will look into all factors, including weather conditions and mechanical failure, to determine why the Learjet veered off the runway.
A Career Interrupted
Ajit Pawar, the 66-year-old nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, has been a central pillar of Maharashtra politics for decades. Known for his administrative grit and deep influence in the cooperative sector, his sudden loss—if confirmed—marks the end of an era for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Mahayuti alliance.
Conclusion
As the state of Maharashtra waits for a formal official statement regarding the final casualty count, the Baramati airport remains closed to all operations. This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved in the grueling travel schedules of public servants during election cycles.