Ajit Pawar Dies in Baramati Plane Crash: Who Will Inherit His Political Legacy?

• NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash at Baramati Airport, Pune, on January 28, 2026.
• The private chartered plane (Learjet 45) crashed during landing around 8:48 AM, killing Ajit Pawar and 5 others.
• Pawar, known as 'Dada' and a strict administrator, was en route to address Zilla Parishad election meetings in Baramati.
• His demise creates a vacuum in Baramati and Marathwada politics; potential successors include wife Sunetra Pawar and sons Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar.
• The tragedy brings the Pawar family closer, raising questions about the future of NCP factions and Sharad Pawar's next moves.

Why It Matters: Ajit Pawar's sudden death in a plane crash leaves a significant void in Maharashtra politics and raises questions about his successor and the future of the NCP.