Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was on his way to Baramati on January 28 to campaign for the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections when his plane tragically crashed while landing, killing him and four others on the spot. Pawar had four rallies scheduled in Baramati tehsil as part of his election preparations.

Reports confirm that the rallies were for four out of six Zilla Parishad seats in Baramati. Besides addressing the gatherings, Pawar had planned to meet local party workers, review election arrangements, and attend a private program later in the day. Baramati has long been a stronghold of Ajit Pawar, who had previously served as an MLA from the area.

The Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections in Baramati are scheduled for February 5, 2026, with counting of votes set for February 7. Pawar’s party was contesting the elections independently, aiming to maintain its dominant presence in the region.

Ajit Pawar was aboard a Learjet-45, a mid-size business jet manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace between 1998 and 2009. The aircraft, known for its speed and efficient cabin, accommodates up to eight passengers and is powered by two Honeywell TFE731 engines, capable of flying at speeds of Mach 0.78–0.81 and reaching altitudes up to 51,000 feet. The crash has left a significant void in Maharashtra’s political landscape, especially during this crucial election period.