Maharashtra’s political scene has been jolted by the sudden death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash near Baramati Airport on January 28, 2026. The crash, which occurred during a second landing attempt in poor visibility, also claimed the lives of four others traveling with him.
Ajit Pawar’s passing has created a leadership gap in the state government and within his NCP faction, which controlled key portfolios including finance and excise. Talks are underway on a cabinet reshuffle, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expected to temporarily oversee the portfolios. Senior party leaders like Dilip Walse Patil and Jayant Patil are being considered to fill the void.
Before his death, Ajit Pawar had been actively working to reunite the two factions of the NCP—his own and the Sharad Pawar-led group. He reportedly envisioned the merger as a personal “gift” to his uncle and party founder, Sharad Pawar, aiming to formalize it around the latter’s birthday in December. Meetings were held in mid-January to negotiate terms, with plans to contest local body elections jointly and complete the unification afterward.
A close aide revealed that Ajit Pawar was fully committed to the merger, indicating that significant progress had been made just days before the crash. The factions had already shown signs of cooperation during recent civic polls, hinting at smoother reconciliation ahead.
In the wake of the tragedy, Sharad Pawar may take a more active role in guiding the party and ensuring stability in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Observers suggest his involvement could shape the merger’s outcome and the NCP’s future strategy within both state and national politics.
Condolences poured in from across the country, including a resolution in the Uttar Pradesh cabinet honoring Pawar’s public service. Meanwhile, discussions continue over the party’s leadership and the future of its position in the ruling coalition, as Maharashtra navigates this sudden and sensitive transition.
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