Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday morning after a chartered aircraft carrying him from Mumbai to Baramati crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport in Pune district. He was 66. The tragic accident occurred at around 8.48 am and claimed the lives of all five people on board.
Pawar was travelling to Baramati to take part in campaigning for the upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections when the aircraft crash-landed near the runway threshold. Along with the senior leader, his personal security officer, a flight attendant and two pilots were killed in the mishap.
The sudden death of one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures triggered widespread shock and grief across the country. Celebrities and public figures took to social media to pay tribute to Pawar’s long political career and his role in shaping governance and development in the state.
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar expressed his condolences on X, saying he was shocked and saddened by the tragic demise and extended his sympathies to Pawar’s family.
Shocked and sad to hear about the tragic demise of Ajit Pawar ji. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti 🙏
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) January 28, 2026
Actor Sanjay Dutt shared Pawar’s photograph on Instagram, calling him a dynamic leader whose impact would be remembered for years, while praying for strength for the bereaved family.
Ajay Devgn described the loss as heartbreaking and conveyed his condolences to Pawar’s loved ones and those affected by the tragedy.
Shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Hon. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this immense loss.
Om Shanti 🙏🏻— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) January 28, 2026
Actor Riteish Deshmukh termed Pawar’s death an immense loss, saying it had created an irreplaceable void in Maharashtra’s public life.
Deeply shocked and terribly heartbroken to learn that we have lost Ajit Dada in a tragic accident. One of Maharashtra’s most dynamic leaders, he had zero tolerance for non-performance and constantly pushed and inspired those around him to excel. He never minced his words, his wit… pic.twitter.com/nGQ3M1xf0Z
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) January 28, 2026
Shilpa Shetty, in an Instagram story, called Pawar a dynamic and daring leader and offered condolences to his family.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher said he was deeply shocked by the news and remembered Pawar as gentle and kind in his personal interactions.
Deeply shocked and Saddened by the tragic passing of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dada. Whenever I met him he was very gentle and kind! My thoughts are with his family. Om Shanti! 🙏🕉 pic.twitter.com/X0deqc6Z0W
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) January 28, 2026
Ajit Pawar was a towering figure in Maharashtra politics, known for his decades-long public service and influence in state governance.
