Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dies: Maharashtra Government announces 3-day state mourning

Maharashtra: The state has been plunged into grief following the sudden and tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Ashatai Anantrao Pawar, who perished in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday morning.

The government has announced a three-day state mourning, during which flags will fly at half-mast and official entertainment events are suspended. In addition, all state government offices were ordered closed on the day of the tragedy as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

Accident and Immediate Aftermath

The chartered Learjet 45 aircraft (registration VT-SSK), operated by a private aviation firm and carrying Pawar along with his personal staff and crew, was en route from Mumbai to Baramati when it crash-landed during an attempted approach at Baramati Airport.

According to initial reports, the plane veered off the runway, burst into flames upon impact, and resulted in the deaths of all aboard.

Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that no survivors were found at the crash site. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, with probes expected to examine technical and environmental conditions surrounding the landing attempt.

Government Response and Mourning Protocols

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in an emotional address, announced the state’s decision to observe three days of mourning from January 28 to January 30, 2026.

In his statement, Fadnavis paused all programs and declared a public holiday to honor Pawar’s contributions to the state’s governance and development.

During this period, national flags on government buildings across Maharashtra will be flown at half-mast, and all official entertainment events are to be suspended. The mourning reflects the profound respect and recognition of Pawar’s decades-long public service.

Legacy of a Senior Leader

Pawar, 66, was a prominent political figure in Maharashtra and held the unique distinction of being the state’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister with multiple tenures. Known for his grassroots connections and influence in rural and cooperative sectors, he played a pivotal role in shaping state politics and policy across successive governments.

His unexpected death has led to an outpouring of condolences from political leaders across party lines, with many describing the loss as a “deep blow” to Maharashtra’s political landscape.