Maharashtra has been plunged into deep mourning following the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati. The shocking incident has sent waves of grief across the state, prompting the government to announce a public holiday and three days of state mourning as a mark of respect.
Public Holiday And State Mourning Announced
मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस यांनी आपले सर्व कार्यक्रम रद्द केले असून ते आणि उपमुख्यमंत्री एकनाथ शिंदे दोघेही थोड्याच वेळात बारामतीसाठी रवाना होत आहेत. राज्यात आज शासकीय सुटी जाहीर करण्यात आली असून तीन दिवसांचा दुखवटा जाहीर करण्यात आला आहे.
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) January 28, 2026
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday declared a public holiday and announced three days of state mourning, beginning January 28 and continuing till January 30. The decision was confirmed by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and officially communicated through the Chief Minister’s post on X (formerly Twitter).
During this period, all schools, colleges, and government offices across Maharashtra will remain closed. Educational institutions and administrative offices have been directed to observe the mourning period in full compliance with the state government’s order.
National Flag At Half-Mast
As part of the mourning protocol, the national flag is being flown at half-mast on all government buildings, ministries, and administrative offices throughout the state, reflecting the collective grief over the loss of one of Maharashtra’s most influential political leaders.
Tragic Accident During Election Campaign
Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise has come at a particularly sensitive time, with Zilla Parishad elections approaching. The veteran NCP leader was travelling to Baramati for election-related meetings when the tragedy struck.
The chartered Learjet 46 aircraft carrying Pawar reportedly crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport and burst into flames moments after impact, leaving no survivors on board.
Six Killed In The Crash
The devastating crash claimed the lives of six people, including:
- Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra
- Videep Jadhav, security personnel
- Pinky Mali, flight attendant
- Captain Sumit Kapoor, pilot
- Captain Shambhavi Pathak, co-pilot
The Pawar family, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers, and political leaders across party lines have expressed profound grief over the loss.
Poor Visibility A Key Factor: Civil Aviation Minister
Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu said poor visibility at Baramati airport was a major contributing factor to the accident. Preliminary findings suggest that the aircraft faced serious landing difficulties due to weather conditions.
According to initial investigation details, the pilot had informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) that the runway was not clearly visible and attempted a go-around before the aircraft ultimately crashed.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.
State In Mourning
Ajit Pawar’s death has left a void in Maharashtra politics. A six-time Deputy Chief Minister over a political career spanning decades, he was known for his administrative grip and mass connect. As tributes continue to pour in, Maharashtra stands united in grief, remembering a leader whose influence shaped the state’s political landscape.