Uncertainty Emerge Over Mahayuti After Ajit Pawar’s Sudden Death In Baramati

BARAMATI, MAHARASHTRA — Maharashtra politics has been plunged into a state of profound shock and uncertainty following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar (66) in a tragic aircraft accident on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The veteran leader was traveling from Mumbai to his home turf, Baramati, for local election campaign meetings when his chartered Learjet 45 crashed while attempting to land in poor visibility.

All five people on board, including Pawar, his personal security officer, and the flight crew, were killed. His last rites are being performed today, January 29, with full State honors in Baramati.

1. The Tragedy: 26 Minutes to Disaster

The flight was a routine trip to Baramati for the February 5 Zilla Parishad elections.

• The Crash: At approximately 8:43 AM, the pilot reported “no sight of runway” to the Air Traffic Controller (ATC). Moments later, after reporting the runway was visible, the plane veered off the side of the runway and exploded upon impact.
• The Deceased: Alongside Ajit Pawar, the victims included Captain Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, flight attendant Pinky Mali, and security officer Vidip Jadhav.
• Investigation: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the DGCA have launched a probe. While West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee suggested a “conspiracy,” Sharad Pawar has firmly ruled out foul play, calling it a “pure accident.”

2. The Succession: Who Leads the NCP Now?

Ajit Pawar was the undisputed sun around which his faction of the NCP orbited. His absence leaves the party facing an existential crisis.

• Family Candidates: His wife, Sunetra Pawar (Rajya Sabha MP), and son Parth Pawar are the immediate dynastic heirs, though neither possesses Ajit’s grassroots administrative grip.
• Senior Loyalists: Sunil Tatkare (State President) and Praful Patel are the likely interim caretakers to manage the alliance with the BJP, while Chhagan Bhujbal remains a powerful OBC face within the party.
• The “Homecoming” Factor: Analysts speculate that without Ajit’s personal rivalry with his uncle, many of the 41 NCP MLAs may eventually return to the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).

3. Political Impact on the Mahayuti Alliance

While the government remains stable with a massive majority (230/288), the internal power balance has shifted overnight.

• Setback for Fadnavis: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has lost his most “cooperative” and efficient administrator. Fadnavis described Pawar as a “strong and large-hearted friend.”
• Eknath Shinde’s Position: With the “buffer” of Ajit Pawar gone, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena may now exert more pressure on the BJP for cabinet berths and policy influence.
• Western Maharashtra Vacuum: The BJP relied on Ajit to dismantle the Pawar family’s hegemony in the sugar and cooperative belts. His death leaves that flank exposed once again to Sharad Pawar’s influence.

Timeline of a Political Era (1991–2026)