Ajit Pawar served as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister six times across three decades—longer than anyone in the state's history. On January 28, 2026, the 66-year-old was killed when his chartered Learjet crashed during landing at Baramati Airport, his political stronghold 254 kilometers from Mumbai. All five people aboard died.
His death creates an immediate crisis for Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti coalition. Pawar led 41 legislators who defected from his uncle Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party in 2023 to join the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government. Without him, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis faces the prospect that those legislators could drift back to the rival NCP faction—or that the two warring Pawar factions might reunite entirely, reshaping the state's political balance ahead of 2029 elections.
Fictional content for perspective - not real quotes.
Thomas Paine
(1737-1809) ·Revolutionary · politics
Fictional AI pastiche — not real quote.
"A government built upon defection rather than principle dies with its architect—for loyalty purchased is never loyalty earned. Here we witness not tragedy, but the natural consequence of placing personal ambition above the common good: a coalition of forty-one legislators now wanders leaderless, having traded conviction for convenience."
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Ambrose Bierce
(1842-1914) ·Gilded Age · wit
Fictional AI pastiche — not real quote.
"POLITICIAN, n. A statesman who achieves immortality by defecting from his uncle's party—though in this case, the Learjet proved a swifter conveyance to that destination than betrayal alone. Now forty-one legislators must decide whether loyalty follows the living or the dead, demonstrating once more that in politics, principle is merely the name we give to profitable timing."
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Key Indicators
41
NCP legislators in Ajit Pawar's faction
These MLAs defected with Pawar in 2023; their loyalty is now uncertain
6
Times served as Deputy CM
Pawar held the position more times than any other politician in Maharashtra history
230
Mahayuti coalition seats
The ruling alliance holds a commanding majority in the 288-seat assembly
3,000m
Reported visibility at crash
Conditions were marginal; the airport lacks instrument landing systems
People Involved
Ajit Pawar
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra (deceased) (Killed in plane crash on January 28, 2026)
Sharad Pawar
President of NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) (85-year-old patriarch of Pawar political dynasty; now heads rival NCP faction)
Devendra Fadnavis
Chief Minister of Maharashtra (Leading Mahayuti coalition; now faces uncertainty over NCP faction's loyalty)
Sunetra Pawar
Rajya Sabha MP; wife of Ajit Pawar (Leading candidate for NCP leadership and Deputy CM position following husband's death)
Parth Pawar
Son of Ajit Pawar (Potential political heir; has maintained low profile since 2019 electoral defeat)
NN
Nilesh Nikam
NCP Leader (Mentioned as potential successor to lead NCP faction)
RP
Rohit Pawar
MLA and grandson of Sharad Pawar (Potential heir in reunification scenario)
ST
Sunil Tatkare
NCP Maharashtra State President (Senior leader in Ajit Pawar's faction)
PP
Praful Patel
NCP National Working President (Senior leader in Ajit Pawar's faction)
SR
Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader (Opposition leader advocating NCP reunification)
Organizations Involved
NA
Nationalist Congress Party
Political Party
Status: Faction led by Ajit Pawar until his death; holds 41 assembly seats
The faction that broke from the original NCP in July 2023, winning recognition as the official party from the Election Commission in February 2024.
NA
Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar
Political Party
Status: Opposition faction; holds 10 assembly seats
The original NCP led by founder Sharad Pawar, forced to add his name to the party title after losing the official designation.
MA
Mahayuti (Grand Alliance)
Political Coalition
Status: Ruling coalition in Maharashtra with 230 of 288 assembly seats
The ruling coalition comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar's NCP faction.
AI
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
Government Agency
Status: Leading investigation into Baramati crash
India's civil aviation accident investigation authority, responsible for determining the cause of the crash.
Timeline
Last Rites Performed with Full State Honours
Official
Ajit Pawar's last rites were conducted at Vidya Pratishthan Grounds in Baramati with full state honours.
Senior NCP Leaders Push for Sunetra Pawar as Deputy CM
Political
During a meeting of senior NCP party leaders, a large majority made a strong case for Sunetra Pawar's elevation as party chief and Deputy Chief Minister. FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal stated that the public wants Sunetra brought into the state ministry.
Federal Government Confirms Time-Bound Investigation
Investigation
Ministry of Civil Aviation informed Maharashtra CM that black box has been secured for detailed analysis. Centre stated the AAIB investigation will be conducted in a thorough, transparent and time-bound manner, examining all technical records and operational details.
Merger Talks Details Revealed
Political
NCP (SP) leader Eknath Khadse revealed that after two-and-a-half months of deliberations with Sharad Pawar's consent, a decision to merge both factions had been taken. The final announcement was planned after February 5 Zilla Parishad polls, where both factions would fight under the clock symbol.
Nilesh Nikam Appointed Leader of Opposition in Civic Body
Political
NCP Pune city president Sunil Tingre and party leader Subhash Jagtap announced Nilesh Nikam will take over as Leader of the Opposition in the civic body, where NCP holds the second-largest party position.
Ajit Pawar Killed in Baramati Plane Crash
Incident
A Learjet 45XR carrying Pawar crashed during a second landing approach at Baramati Airport. All five aboard died. The crew had reported the runway was not in sight during final approach.
Maharashtra Declares Three Days of Mourning
Official
The state government declared three days of mourning. Flags flew at half-staff, government offices closed, and public events were cancelled.
AAIB Team Reaches Crash Site, Black Box Recovered
Investigation
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau team initiated forensic probe at crash site. Black box recovered and transported to laboratory for analysis of flight data recorder, EGPWS, and digital engine systems.
Fadnavis and Shinde Meet Sunetra Pawar
Political
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde met with Sunetra Pawar to offer condolences. PM Modi and Amit Shah planned visit to Baramati.
NCP Factions Form Local Electoral Alliance
Political
The rival NCP factions formed alliances for municipal elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, fueling speculation of a broader reconciliation.
Fadnavis Sworn in as CM, Pawar as Deputy CM
Political
Devendra Fadnavis became Chief Minister for a third term, with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Ministers.
Mahayuti Wins Landslide in Maharashtra Elections
Electoral
The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance won 235 of 288 assembly seats. Ajit Pawar's NCP faction secured 41 seats, cementing his position in the coalition.
Sunetra Pawar Loses Baramati Lok Sabha Seat
Electoral
Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra lost the Baramati parliamentary seat to Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter, in a contest that highlighted the family's political divide.
Assembly Speaker Confirms Ajit Faction as Real NCP
Legal
Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar dismissed a petition to disqualify Ajit Pawar's MLAs, cementing the faction's legal standing.
Election Commission Awards NCP Name to Ajit Faction
Legal
The Election Commission of India recognized Ajit Pawar's faction as the official NCP, granting it the party name and clock symbol based on legislative majority.
NCP Splits as Ajit Pawar Joins Ruling Coalition
Political
Ajit Pawar led 40 MLAs out of the NCP and was sworn in as Deputy CM in the BJP-Shiv Sena government, formally splitting the party his uncle founded.
Sharad Pawar Announces Retirement, Then Reverses
Political
NCP chief Sharad Pawar announced he would step down, prompting emotional appeals from supporters. He reversed the decision, but the episode exposed internal tensions.
Ajit Pawar's First Defection
Political
Ajit Pawar briefly defected to join a BJP-led government as Deputy CM. The government collapsed in 80 hours after the Supreme Court ordered a floor test.
Scenarios
1
NCP Factions Reunite Under Sharad Pawar
Discussed by: Political analysts at The Week, Siasat, and opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut
With Ajit Pawar gone and no clear successor commanding similar loyalty, the 41 MLAs in his faction could return to Sharad Pawar's camp. The two factions had already begun cooperating on local elections. A reunion would subtract 41 seats from the Mahayuti's majority and revive the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi ahead of 2029. However, family tensions—particularly between Sunetra Pawar and Sharad Pawar—and the question of who would lead a reunited party complicate this path.
2
Sunetra or Parth Pawar Takes Over NCP Faction
Discussed by: The Week, India.com, and party observers
Ajit Pawar's widow Sunetra, a sitting Rajya Sabha member, or his son Parth could assume leadership of the faction and maintain the alliance with the BJP. Sunetra has political experience and institutional relationships; Parth has the family name but limited electoral track record. Either path would preserve the status quo but require building credibility with legislators who followed Ajit personally.
3
BJP Absorbs NCP Legislators Directly
Discussed by: Political analysts quoted by Outlook India and DNA India
Without Ajit Pawar to anchor the NCP as a distinct coalition partner, some or all of the 41 MLAs could join the BJP directly. This would simplify the coalition structure but eliminate the NCP faction as an independent force. Chief Minister Fadnavis has described the BJP's alliance with NCP as 'strategic' rather than 'emotional,' suggesting flexibility on both sides.
4
NCP Faction Fragments, Coalition Weakens
Discussed by: Political analysts at Siasat and Business Standard
Without a strong leader, the NCP faction could splinter. Some MLAs might return to Sharad Pawar, others might join the BJP, and still others might attempt to remain independent. This fragmentation would create ongoing uncertainty in the Mahayuti coalition and complicate governance ahead of key elections including BMC polls.
Historical Context
YS Rajasekhara Reddy Helicopter Crash (2009)
September 2009
What Happened
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, 60, was killed when his state government helicopter crashed in the Nallamala forests while flying to inspect drought relief. The sitting Chief Minister was among the most powerful politicians in southern India. His body was found the next day, charred beyond recognition.
Outcome
Short Term
The Congress party denied YSR's son Jagan Mohan Reddy the chief ministership, appointing the finance minister instead. This sparked a succession crisis within the state Congress.
Long Term
Jagan broke from Congress in 2010 and founded the YSR Congress Party, which won a landslide in 2019 and destroyed Congress's presence in the state. The father's sudden death and party's subsequent mishandling of succession created an entirely new political force.
Why It's Relevant Today
Like Ajit Pawar, YSR's death in an aviation accident created an immediate succession crisis. The parallel raises questions about whether the NCP will handle leadership transition in a way that preserves the party or fractures it.
Madhavrao Scindia Plane Crash (2001)
September 2001
What Happened
Senior Congress leader Madhavrao Scindia, a former civil aviation minister and prominent figure in the Maratha royal family, was killed when his 10-seater aircraft crashed near Kanpur due to poor weather. He was traveling to a political rally. He was 56 years old and widely seen as a potential future Prime Minister.
Outcome
Short Term
The Congress party lost one of its most dynamic campaigners during a period when the party was in opposition nationally.
Long Term
Scindia's son Jyotiraditya later became a prominent Congress leader before defecting to the BJP in 2020, bringing down the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh—echoing patterns of family-based political realignments.
Why It's Relevant Today
Both Scindia and Ajit Pawar were traveling to political events in private aircraft when weather contributed to fatal crashes. Both deaths raised questions about aviation safety for political leaders and created succession dynamics that reshaped their parties.
Steve Jobs Returns to Apple (1997)
1985-1997
What Happened
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was forced out of his own company in 1985 after a boardroom struggle. He founded NeXT and Pixar. Twelve years later, Apple—near bankruptcy—acquired NeXT and Jobs returned, eventually becoming CEO and transforming the company.
Outcome
Short Term
Jobs immediately began cutting product lines and refocusing Apple's strategy.
Long Term
Jobs led Apple to become the world's most valuable company through the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. His return is now a textbook case of founder rehabilitation.
Why It's Relevant Today
While the circumstances differ dramatically, the Pawar family split echoes patterns of founder-family business disputes. The question now is whether Sharad Pawar, like Jobs, can reclaim control of the organization he built—or whether the split becomes permanent through new leadership.
