Last Updated:January 28, 2026, 12:21 IST

The Chief Minister confirmed that both he and Eknath Shinde were heading to Baramati, where the crash occurred near the airport.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CM Ajit Pawar.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash as “an unprecedented loss,” saying the two had been good friends who faced many challenges together in both personal and political life.

“Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has lost his life in a plane accident. There is an atmosphere of sadness in the state. Losing a leader like him is an unprecedented loss,” Fadnavis said, struggling to contain his emotions.

“In personal life, he was a good friend. We faced many challenges together,” the CM added.

The Chief Minister said Pawar’s untimely death was particularly painful as he was actively contributing to the state’s development.

“At a time when he was contributing to Maharashtra’s development, his untimely demise is a loss. We stand with his family,” Fadnavis said. He announced that both he and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde would travel to Baramati immediately.

“I, along with Eknath Shinde ji, will go to Baramati today. I have informed the PM and HM about the incident, and they have expressed sadness over it,” Fadnavis added.

Ajit Pawar, 66, died along with four others including pilots and security personnel when their small aircraft crashed during a landing attempt around 8:45 am. The plane had taken off from Mumbai approximately 45 minutes earlier. The NCP chief was traveling to attend public meetings ahead of local body polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier called Fadnavis to inquire about the incident. PM Modi condoled Pawar’s death, describing him as a leader deeply connected to the grassroots.

“Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra,” PM Modi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), adding, “His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy. His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. Om Shanti.”

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