New Delhi: Baramati witnessed an outpouring of grief on Thursday as members of the Pawar family, political leaders from across parties, and thousands of Nationalist Congress Party workers came together to bid a final farewell to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The senior leader, widely known as Ajit Dada, lost his life in a tragic plane crash a day earlier, sending shockwaves through the state’s political landscape.
Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, an institution established by the Pawar family and closely associated with his public life. As the last rites were performed, supporters raised emotional slogans in his memory, reflecting the deep connection he shared with the region and its people. The Maharashtra government announced three days of state mourning and declared a public holiday as a mark of respect for the late leader.
Earlier in the day, thousands of supporters and party workers gathered at the venue to pay homage. Pawar’s mortal remains were later kept at Vidya Pratishthan School to allow citizens to offer their final respects, with long queues forming throughout the evening.
Members of the Pawar family, including his wife Sunetra, sons Parth and Jay, uncle Sharad Pawar, and cousin Supriya Sule, were present during the funeral. Several prominent political figures also attended, cutting across party lines, underscoring Ajit Pawar’s influence and stature in Maharashtra politics. Senior state leaders, union ministers, and chief ministers from other states were among those who paid tribute, alongside personalities from public life and the entertainment industry.
Following his death, all government buildings across Maharashtra were ordered to fly the national flag at half mast for three days. State sponsored entertainment programmes and official events were cancelled during the mourning period.
Ajit Pawar, 66, was among five people killed when a chartered Learjet aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport in poor visibility. His personal security officer, a flight attendant, and both pilots also lost their lives in the accident. A detailed investigation into the crash is underway, with authorities recovering the aircraft’s black box and launching a forensic examination of the debris.
The sudden loss of Ajit Pawar has left a significant void in state politics, particularly within the NCP, and raised questions about the future leadership of the party faction he led.
