Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours in Baramati on Thursday, as thousands of supporters, political leaders and family members gathered to bid him an emotional farewell. The town witnessed scenes of deep grief as Pawar’s mortal remains, draped in the national flag, were brought from his native village Katewadi to Baramati for the final rites. The atmosphere remained solemn as people from nearby villages and NCP workers lined the streets to pay their respects to the veteran leader fondly known as Dada.
Ajit Pawar’s sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, performed the last rites and lit the funeral pyre amid chants of emotional slogans from supporters who struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss. Senior leaders from across party lines attended the funeral, underlining Pawar’s influence in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid his last respects, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were also present. Police personnel and state officials accorded ceremonial honours as part of the official proceedings.
Ajit Pawar, aged 66, died on Wednesday morning in a tragic plane crash involving a chartered Learjet near the Baramati airstrip, around 100 kilometres from Pune. The aircraft reportedly crashed shortly after approach, killing all those on board. The sudden nature of the accident sent shockwaves across the state and triggered an outpouring of grief from supporters and political colleagues alike. Large crowds gathered at the Vidya Pratishthan sports ground in Baramati, chanting slogans expressing their disbelief and sorrow over the untimely demise of a leader who played a crucial role in Maharashtra politics for decades.
Several prominent figures, including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, actor Riteish Deshmukh and other dignitaries, visited Pawar’s residence in Katewadi to offer condolences to the family. Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and their sons. The loss has left a significant void within the NCP, with party workers and leaders expressing concern over the future direction of the party in the absence of its chief.
The fatal crash also claimed the lives of experienced pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, Ajit Pawar’s personal security officer Vidip Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali. Authorities have registered an accidental death report in connection with the incident, and further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. As Maharashtra mourns the passing of Ajit Pawar, tributes continue to pour in, highlighting his political legacy, administrative experience and deep connection with the people of Baramati and beyond.
