Argus News - Leaders Who Never Returned: Inside India’s Deadliest Air Crashes

Bhubaneswar, Jan 28: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, fondly known as ‘Dada’, tragically passed away in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday.

His sudden demise has left the state in shock, ending a dynamic political era and plunging leaders and citizens alike into deep mourning.

This was not the first time a political leader has tragically lost his life in a plane crash.

Also read: Leaders across Parties Mourn Demise of Maharashtra Dy CM Ajit Pawar

India’s political history has witnessed several tragic air crashes that claimed the lives of influential leaders, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s governance and collective memory.

Sanjay Gandhi, 1980

One of the earliest and most shocking incidents was the death of Sanjay Gandhi, son of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who perished on June 23, 1980, while piloting a small aircraft in Delhi.

Madhavrao Scindia, 2001

Another towering figure, Madhavrao Scindia, senior Congress leader and former Union Minister, died in a chartered plane crash on September 30, 2001. His death was considered a major setback for the party.

YS Rajasekhar Reddy, 2009

In 2009, tragedy struck Andhra Pradesh when its Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy was killed in a helicopter crash on September 2. His passing created a political vacuum in the state and deeply affected millions.

Dorjee Khandu, 2011

Similarly, Dorjee Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, lost his life in a helicopter crash on April 30, 2011, underscoring the risks faced by leaders traveling in difficult terrains.

GMC Balayogi, 2002

India also mourned the loss of GMC Balayogi, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, who died in a helicopter crash on March 3, 2002. His death was a rare and devastating moment in parliamentary history.

Vijay Rupani, 2025

More recently, Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat, died in an Air India plane crash on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. His demise shocked the state and reignited debates on aviation safety.

Balwantrai Mehta, 1965

Going further back, Balwantrai Mehta, Gujarat’s second Chief Minister, was killed when his aircraft was shot down during the 1965 India-Pak war, a grim reminder of the dangers of conflict.

Subhas Chandra Bose, 1945

Finally, the mysterious death of Subhas Chandra Bose in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945, remains one of India’s most debated historical events. While official accounts claim he died in the crash, controversy and speculation continue to surround his fate.