Tragedy in Indian politics: Ajit Pawar and a somber history of aviation losses

Pune/Baramati

In one of the most shocking events in recent Indian political history, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar (66) died when his chartered business jet crashed during a landing attempt at Baramati Airport. The Learjet 45XR, flying from Mumbai to Baramati, veered off the runway, burst into flames and was destroyed on impact, killing Pawar and four others on board, including crew and senior staff, aviation officials said.

Pawar was en route to address election meetings in his home region when the aircraft lost control on its second approach to the runway. Initial investigations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation have begun, with debris and wreckage scattered across the crash site.

This tragic accident places Pawar among a list of prominent Indian leaders who have lost their lives in aviation disasters, underscoring the risks of frequent travel by political figures.

Historical aviation accidents involving Indian politicians

Sanjay Gandhi — June 23, 1980

Sanjay Gandhi, a Lok Sabha MP and a key figure in Indian politics as the younger son of then‑Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was killed when the small aircraft he was piloting crashed soon after take‑off from Safdarjung Airport in New Delhi. His untimely death at age 33 altered political succession dynamics within the Congress party.

Madhavrao Scindia — September 30, 2001

Senior Congress leader and former Civil Aviation Minister Madhavrao Scindia died when his private Cessna aircraft crashed near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, as he was traveling to a rally. All on board, including journalists and crew, were killed in the accident.

G. M. C. Balayogi — March 3, 2002

Lok Sabha Speaker Ganti Mohana Chandra Balayogi and those accompanying him died when his Bell 206 helicopter crashed in Kaikalur, Andhra Pradesh, after losing height mid‑flight.

Cyprian Sangma — September 22, 2004

Meghalaya’s Rural Development Minister Cyprian Sangma and nine others perished when the Pawan Hans helicopter carrying them from Guwahati to Shillong crashed near Barapani Lake due to unknown causes.

Om Prakash Jindal & Surender Singh — March 31, 2005

Haryana Power Minister and industrialist O. P. Jindal, along with Agriculture Minister Surender Singh, was killed when the chopper they were traveling in crashed near Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy — September 2, 2009

Popular Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR) died when the Bell 430 helicopter carrying him and his aides crashed in the dense Nallamala Hills. Despite extensive search efforts, the wreckage and bodies were recovered only a day later.

Dorjee Khandu — April 30, 2011

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu and four others died when their Pawan Hans helicopter crashed in a remote forest area near the China border. The crash site was found after days of search.

Surendra Nath — July 9, 1994

Punjab Governor Surendra Nath, a veteran civil servant‑turned‑administrator, died along with family members when the government aircraft he was traveling in crashed in the mountainous region of Himachal Pradesh.