Rajasthan News Live: 'अत्यंत स्तब्धकारी'... अजित पवार के निधन पर राजस्थान के CM भजनलाल शर्मा ने जताया गहरा शोक

A cloud of sorrow hangs over the nation today as news emerges of the tragic demise of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, in a devastating plane crash near Pune's Baramati Airport. The Learjet 45 (VT-SSK) chartered aircraft, en route from Mumbai, reportedly lost control during its landing approach around 8:45 AM, crashing near the runway. Authorities have confirmed the immediate fatalities of Mr. Pawar, his personal security officer, an attendant, and both pilots (PIC+FO) aboard the ill-fated flight.

The incident has sent shockwaves across India's political landscape. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed profound grief, contacting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to gather details and ascertain the status of relief operations. A high-level investigation has been ordered by the Maharashtra government, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) team swiftly sealing off Baramati Airport to collect the black box and crucial technical evidence. The tragic event has also prompted a safety audit, leading to the relocation of public rallies for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Dharashiv due to an identified unsafe helipad.

Condolences poured in from across party lines. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma described Mr. Pawar's passing as 'extremely sad and shocking,' eulogizing him as a "skilled administrator and dedicated public servant" whose loss is "irreparable" for Maharashtra politics. Political figures, including Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant, remembered Mr. Pawar as a transparent and resolute individual, lamenting the rarity of such committed leaders. Sharad Pawar's family, including MPs Supriya Sule and Priyanka Chaturvedi, rushed to Baramati amidst a somber atmosphere.

Further scrutiny now falls upon M/S VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, the Delhi-based private aviation company operating the crashed aircraft. Concerns regarding their safety records have resurfaced, particularly after another of their planes was involved in an accident at Mumbai Airport on September 14, 2023. The fitness and maintenance protocols of the company, established in 2011, are now under intense investigation by aviation authorities.

Meanwhile, the 16th Rajasthan Assembly's Budget Session commenced today, January 28, 2026, with the Governor's address outlining the state government's priorities and future roadmap. Governor Haribhau Bagde arrived at the Assembly, welcomed by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, and Assembly Secretary Bharat Bhushan Sharma. Following his address and a tribute to departed leaders, the house will adjourn, paving the way for a crucial business advisory committee meeting to finalize the session's detailed agenda.

The session holds particular significance as the Bhajanlal government is set to present its full budget, keenly anticipated by citizens across the state. Ahead of the session, the Congress legislative party convened a meeting at Hotel Radisson in Jaipur under the leadership of Leader of Opposition Tikaram Juli, joined by state in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, PCC Chief Govind Dotasra, and other key members. The opposition signaled its strategy by staging a protest march from the MLA residence to the Assembly porch, condemning the alleged renaming of the 'MNREGA' scheme to 'VB G RAM G'.

Yesterday, Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani held an all-party meeting, urging all members to uphold the dignity of the house and engage in constructive debate. Both the ruling and opposition parties assured the Speaker of decorous conduct, emphasizing the collective responsibility to ensure a productive and meaningful session. Devnani also highlighted the timely responses received for 96% of questions from previous sessions, promising continued efficiency.

Rajasthan's weather, too, has been a topic of discussion, with a noticeable drop in temperatures across several districts. A robust Western Disturbance has brought intermittent rainfall to Jaipur and surrounding areas, creating a pleasant, albeit chilly, atmosphere. This system, fueled by moisture from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, is expected to dissipate from January 28. However, an anticipated influx of northerly winds could further depress temperatures by 3-4 degrees Celsius. Farmers in areas like Sawai Madhopur, particularly in Khandar region villages such as Bahrawanda, Torda, Chhan, Badhpur, and Kustala, reported significant damage to mustard and wheat crops due to recent hailstorms and strong winds, causing widespread dismay.

In other local developments:

• Jodhpur: Luni police achieved a significant breakthrough, arresting five individuals, including the primary accused brother-in-law, in the shocking case of a brother-in-law's nose being severed. While the severed nose was recovered after a rigorous search, doctors have unfortunately confirmed that it cannot be reattached due to the time elapsed. Intensive interrogation of the accused is underway to uncover the full motive behind this gruesome act.
• Bikaner: A horrifying collision between a sleeper bus traveling from Jaipur to Bikaner and a truck resulted in both vehicles erupting in a massive blaze. Miraculously, no fatalities were reported as all passengers were safely evacuated through the emergency exit. The bus driver sustained injuries and has been referred to Bikaner's PBM Hospital in serious condition. Fire tenders and police swiftly responded to the scene, battling the inferno and managing traffic. Eyewitnesses credited the quick action in opening the emergency exit for averting a major tragedy.
• Pokaran (Jaisalmer): Tensions remain high as family members and community leaders continue a 23-hour protest outside the Pokaran hospital's mortuary, refusing to claim the body of a minor who tragically died by suicide due to an alleged love affair. Despite prolonged negotiations with police and administrative officials, the talks have remained inconclusive. Protesters insist on all their demands being met before the body is released, with police forces deployed to maintain order amidst growing crowds.
• Jaipur: Five individuals from Delhi sustained severe injuries in a horrific road accident on the Jaipur-Ajmer National Highway (NH-48) near Gidani village. Their car, traveling from Ajmer to Jaipur, was struck by an uncontrolled truck, causing it to overturn. Mokhanpura police rescued the injured, who were initially taken to Dudu Sub-District Hospital before being referred to Jaipur for advanced medical care due to their critical condition.