Explained: Who Ajit Pawar Was and Why India Is Observing State Mourning After His Tragic Death

India woke up to shock and sorrow on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, as news broke of the sudden death of Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. The veteran politician, known for his firm grip on the state's administration and his ability to navigate complex political waters, died following a plane crash in his home turf of Baramati. He was 66 years old.

The incident occurred earlier today when a chartered aircraft, carrying Pawar from Mumbai, attempted a landing at the Baramati Airport in the Pune district. According to initial reports, the plane encountered difficulties and crash-landed near the runway. Rescue teams immediately rushed the Deputy Chief Minister to a nearby hospital, but despite best efforts of medical personnel, he could not be saved. The sudden loss has sent a wave of grief across Maharashtra and the nation, prompting the government to declare a period of state mourning.

Details of the Fatal Accident at Baramati

The specifics of the crash are still under investigation, but aviation authorities have confirmed that the weather conditions and technical aspects of the flight will be scrutinised. Baramati is not just a constituency for the Pawar family; it is their fortress. Ajit Pawar, often affectionately called 'Dada' (meaning elder brother) by his supporters, was returning to the place where his political journey flourished.

Witnesses near the airfield reported hearing a loud noise as the aircraft approached the tarmac. Emergency protocols were activated instantly, but the impact was severe. The news of the crash spread rapidly through social media and news channels, bringing thousands of supporters to the hospital gates, praying for a miracle that sadly did not come.

Who Was Ajit Pawar?

To understand the magnitude of this loss, one must look at who Ajit Pawar was in the context of Indian politics. He was the nephew of Sharad Pawar, one of India's most formidable political figures and the patriarch of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). However, Ajit Pawar carved out his own identity. He was not merely a shadow of his uncle; he was a powerhouse in his own right.

He served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra multiple times, a testament to his indispensability in the state's governance. He was known as an administrator who favoured quick decisions over long delays. His supporters admired him for his direct approach and his ability to cut through red tape, while his detractors often feared his abrasive style. Regardless of opinion, no one could deny his influence. He held the finance portfolio for years, shaping the economic destiny of India's wealthiest state.

A Master of Coalitions and Controversies

Ajit Pawar's career was defined by dramatic shifts and bold moves. He played a central role in several coalition governments, bridging the gap between the Congress and the NCP for many years. However, his most talked-about political manoeuvre occurred in 2019. In a move that stunned the country, he broke away to form a short-lived government with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), taking an oath in the early hours of the morning. Although that specific alliance dissolved quickly, it signalled his willingness to reshape the political landscape.

Like many high-profile leaders, his career was not without controversy. He faced serious allegations regarding irrigation projects and mining operations during his tenure in various ministries. His outspoken nature often landed him in hot water with the media and the public. Yet, in the rough-and-tumble world of Maharashtra politics, these controversies rarely dented his electoral popularity. He consistently won his seat in Baramati with massive margins, proving his deep connection with the local people.

Why India Is in State Mourning

The Indian government has announced state mourning to mark the passing of such a significant figure. During state mourning, the national flag is flown at half-mast on all government buildings, and no official entertainment is held. This honour is reserved for dignitaries and individuals who have made a substantial contribution to the nation.

The death of a sitting Deputy Chief Minister is a destabilising event. Leaders from across the political spectrum, including the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, have expressed their condolences. They have described him as a grassroots leader who understood the pulse of the common man.

Maharashtra faces a political void. Ajit Pawar was a bridge between the old guard and the new generation of leaders. His ability to manage the conflicting interests of a coalition government will be sorely missed. The conversations about his legacy—his administrative skill, his political gambles, and his unfinished projects—will dominate the news for weeks to come. But for today, the state simply grieves the loss of a leader who was, in every sense, a force of nature.