The tragic death of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati on January 28, 2026, has sparked a wave of grief and political turmoil, with opposition parties alleging potential foul play. The crash, which occurred during the aircraft's second attempt to land at Baramati airport, claimed the lives of Pawar, his personal security officer, an attendant, and the two pilots.
In the aftermath of the crash, opposition leaders have voiced strong concerns, demanding an independent investigation into the incident. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and called for a "proper investigation" under the supervision of the Supreme Court, stating that there is no safety and security for the people in the country. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav echoed Banerjee's demand, emphasizing Pawar's stature as a prominent leader and former Deputy Chief Minister. Senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh raised concerns about visibility conditions, landing protocols, and aircraft maintenance, further fueling the call for a thorough probe.
Adding fuel to the fire, Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena (UBT) has publicly insinuated a conspiracy behind the crash. Raut alleged that Pawar had expressed a desire to "return home" and was subsequently threatened by BJP leaders with files related to the Sinchan scam. He drew a parallel with the death of Justice B.H. Loya, questioning whether "someone did something here". These allegations have further intensified the opposition's demand for an impartial investigation to uncover the truth behind the incident.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has stated that the investigation is progressing expeditiously, in accordance with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) rules. The black box of the aircraft has been recovered, and officials from the DGCA and forensic teams have assisted in the investigation. Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu clarified that the airstrip operates under a Non-Scheduled Operator's Permit and is primarily used by flying training organizations. The AAIB is expected to submit its preliminary report within 45 days.
Initial reports suggest that low visibility and heavy fog may have been contributing factors in the crash. CCTV footage shows the aircraft banking steeply at a low altitude before crashing, potentially indicating that the pilot was misaligned with the runway. Aviation experts have pointed out that the Baramati airport lacks an Instrument Landing System (ILS), runway lights, and a beacon, making visual-aid landings particularly challenging. According to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, the crew was informed that the visibility was 3,000 meters, while ideal visibility for a visual approach should be more than 5,000 meters. The final words heard from the crew were reportedly "oh s***," suggesting a sudden realization of imminent danger.
The Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and initiated further investigation. The investigation has now been handed over to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The death of Ajit Pawar has created a significant power vacuum in Maharashtra politics. Pawar, who served as Deputy Chief Minister for several terms, was a key political figure with considerable influence in the state's sugar belt. His ability to mobilize rural voters and his perceived role as the natural heir to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leadership make his absence deeply felt.
As investigations continue, the political landscape in Maharashtra remains tense, with the opposition determined to uncover any potential foul play and ensure accountability for the tragic incident. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the true cause of the crash and its long-term impact on the state's political dynamics.