Maharashtra is in deep mourning as Ajit Pawar (1959–2026), the veteran Deputy Chief Minister and NCP stalwart, tragically lost his life in a plane crash in Baramati. The Learjet 45, operated by VSR Aviation, attempted an emergency landing after departing from Mumbai but veered off the runway, exploding into a fireball. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden jolt before the aircraft hit the perimeter field, leaving no survivors. The devastating crash claimed the lives of Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, an attendant, the pilot-in-command, and the first officer. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but the intensity of the blaze prevented any rescue efforts. Known affectionately as “Ajit Dada”, Pawar’s political career spanned over four decades, serving as Deputy Chief Minister six times and representing Baramati as a seven-time MLA. WATCH 

Mumbai had turned into a flashpoint as the Maratha quota protest intensified over a period of five days. Activist Manoj Jarange, was on an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan. Thousands of protesters had gathered in solidarity, causing traffic chaos across south Mumbai, while the Bombay High Court had stepped in, ordering roads cleared and normalcy restored. What was the controversy al about and how did it end? Take a look