Ajit Pawar Passes Away: “A Dark Day for Maharashtra”: Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Sanjay Raut on Death of Maharashtra Deputy CM in Plane Crash

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut today mourned the sudden and tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was among those killed when a chartered aircraft crashed near Baramati in Pune district on Wednesday morning. Along with Pawar, five others on board lost their lives in the horrific accident. Addressing reporters, Raut described the news as “very sad and tragic” and said, “Today is a dark day in Maharashtra’s political and social life.” He recalled that when initial reports of the crash first emerged in the morning, everyone was hoping and praying for Pajit Pawar’s safety. But the confirmation of his death has brought “a mountain of grief upon Maharashtra.”

Raut highlighted the deep connection between Ajit Pawar and Baramati, calling it a “strange coincidence” that the crash occurred near the city that was central to Pawar’s political journey. He added candidly, “I never imagined that we would have to pay tribute to him like this.” Leaders from across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and MPs such as Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena (UBT), have expressed shock and condolences following the incident.

VIDEO | Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar’s demise and the death of five others in an aircraft crash says, “This is very sad and tragic news. Today is a dark day in Maharashtra’s political and social life. When the news came this morning… pic.twitter.com/QSNpevmhkP

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026

The aircraft, a privately chartered plane, was flying from Mumbai to Baramati when it crashed during a landing attempt, leaving no survivors. Ajit Pawar was among Maharashtra’s most influential political figures and a central force in state politics for decades. His sudden death has triggered widespread mourning, particularly in Baramati, his political stronghold.Ajit Pawar was one of Maharashtra’s longest-serving deputy chief ministers, having held the post non-consecutively for six terms under different governments.