TNI Bureau: An aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crash-landed at Baramati airport today, killing all five persons on board, a senior official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.

The Learjet 45 aircraft was carrying Ajit Pawar, along with two staff members — a personal security officer (PSO) and an attendant — and two crew members, including the pilot-in-command and the first officer.

According to the DGCA, no one survived the crash. A team of DGCA officials has been rushed to the site to investigate the cause of the accident.

Leaders across the political spectrum have expressed solidarity with the Pawar family and the people of Maharashtra, as the nation mourns the loss of a senior leader and public servant.

President Droupadi Murmu condoled the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar in the tragic plane crash at Baramati. In a post on X, she said the incident was “extremely tragic” and described Pawar’s demise as an “irreparable loss,” remembering his special contribution to the development of Maharashtra, especially in the cooperative sector. She extended her condolences to his family, supporters and admirers, and prayed for strength for the families of all those who lost their lives in the accident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy. He described Ajit Pawar as a “leader of the people” with a strong grassroots connect and praised his dedication to public service and administrative acumen. “His untimely demise is very shocking and saddening,” the Prime Minister said, extending condolences to his family and countless admirers. In another post, he said he was saddened by the tragic air crash in Baramati and prayed for strength and courage for the bereaved families.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, calling it an irreparable loss for the state. “For Maharashtra, today is an extremely difficult day. His passing is shocking and unbelievable,” Fadnavis said, adding that he had lost a close friend and the state had lost a strong leader. He announced a three-day state mourning and declared today a public holiday across Maharashtra in tribute to the late leader.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, calling it an irreparable loss for the state. “For Maharashtra, today is an extremely difficult day. His passing is shocking and unbelievable,” Fadnavis said, adding that he had lost a close friend and the state had lost a strong leader. He announced a three-day state mourning and declared today a public holiday across Maharashtra in tribute to the late leader.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi termed the news “extremely heartbreaking” and said he stood with the people of Maharashtra in this moment of grief. He extended his condolences to the entire Pawar family and their loved ones.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described the incident as “deeply shocking and profoundly distressing.” He said it was an untimely loss of a leader with a long and promising political career ahead and expressed his deepest condolences to the Pawar family, supporters and well-wishers. Kharge added that Ajit Pawar would be remembered as a seasoned politician who discharged his responsibilities with sincerity and astuteness.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, speaking to PTI, said the news was “very sad” and conveyed her condolences and sympathies to the entire Pawar family and their supporters. She said she had spoken to Supriya Sule and Pawar’s wife.

NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar left for Baramati from his residence following the tragedy. Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar and his sister, MP Supriya Sule, are also heading to Baramati.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the loss of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and senior NDA colleague had left him “deeply distressed.” He praised Ajit Pawar’s decades-long dedication to public welfare and said his passing was a personal loss for him and the entire NDA family. Shah expressed his deepest condolences to the Pawar family and said the NDA stood firmly with them in this hour of grief.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed shock and pain over Pawar’s untimely demise, noting his lifelong commitment to the development and prosperity of Maharashtra. He extended heartfelt condolences to Pawar’s family, well-wishers and admirers.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh called the incident unfortunate and described Ajit Pawar’s death as an “irreparable loss,” adding that it was a heart-rending incident and praying for strength for the affected families.