Devendra Fadnavis

Stories

Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar killed in plane crash

As of May 2026: Leading Mahayuti coalition; now faces uncertainty over NCP faction's loyalty

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister six times over three decades, died on January 28, 2026, at age 66, when his chartered Learjet crashed at Baramati Airport. His wife Sunetra was sworn in as his successor on January 31.

Updated May 23

BJP ends 25-year Thackeray rule in Mumbai

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Third term as CM since December 2024

The Shiv Sena controlled Mumbai's municipal government for 25 years. On January 17, 2026, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance won 118 of 227 seats in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, securing control of India's richest civic body with a ₹74,000 crore annual budget.

Updated May 21

Notable Quotes

"I will stand by whatever they decide." — Response to NCP pitching Sunetra Pawar for Deputy CM, January 30, 2026

from Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar killed in plane crash · Updated May 23

"The NCP will take whatever decision it has to take for the post of deputy chief minister, and we will support the decision. We are standing behind the family of Ajit Dada and the NCP." — Statement on Sunetra Pawar's appointment, January 31, 2026

from Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar killed in plane crash · Updated May 23

Mumbai mayor will be from BJP. Mahayuti will get 25 mayors in Maharashtra.

from BJP ends 25-year Thackeray rule in Mumbai · Updated May 21