Ajit Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, tragically perished in a plane crash on January 28, 2026, alongside four others. The crash occurred at Baramati airport, Pawar's constituency, when the aircraft failed to respond to air traffic control while attempting to land in poor visibility conditions. The Indian aviation regulator has initiated an investigation into the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Pawar's death as shocking and saddening, praising his lifetime of service to the people. Pawar was known for his impactful political career, having served multiple terms in the Maharashtra legislative assembly, and his leadership will be deeply missed in the state's political landscape. His funeral is scheduled for Thursday morning, and the Maharashtra government has declared three days of mourning.