Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde speaks to media after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) announced that the air crash which killed Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will be probed.
Mr. Shinde said the crash will be investigated so that such incidents don’t happen again in future.
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Speaking to the media after the crash, Mr. Shinde said, “This is an extremely painful and unfortunate incident. It’s a black day for Maharashtra. One couldn’t even have dreamt of such a misfortune. This is sad news for the State. Ajit Pawar had a strong grip on administration. He was studious, articulate and hardworking.”
“He was always outspoken. Even during the implementation of Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, he made proper financial allocation. I have worked alongside him in the cabinet. We worked as a team.”, added Mr. Shinde.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others were killed after an aircraft carrying them crashed in Pune district on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) morning.
The incident occurred when the plane made an attempt to land in Baramati, killing everyone on board, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
All on board the aircraft, including Mr. Pawar, his attendant, a PSO, the pilot, and the co-pilot were declared dead.
Published – January 28, 2026 11:30 am IST
