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Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar killed in plane crash

As of May 2026: 85-year-old patriarch of Pawar political dynasty; now heads rival NCP faction

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

Notable Quotes

"The crash that led to the death of my nephew and four others was an accident and shouldn't be politicized." — January 28, 2026

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

"No politics involved" — Response to conspiracy theories about the crash, January 28, 2026

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

"I have no idea about it. I came to know about it through media reports." — Response to Sunetra Pawar's swearing-in as Deputy CM, January 31, 2026

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

"It was Ajit's wish to unite the two factions, and now it is our wish that his wish should be fulfilled." — Statement on merger prospects, January 31, 2026

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

"Fadnavis not party to NCP merger talks, has no right to comment." — February 3, 2026 [4]

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