Baramati (Maharashtra): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours on Thursday in his hometown Baramati, a day after his tragic death in a plane crash. The final rites were performed in a solemn atmosphere as thousands of supporters, party workers, and citizens gathered to bid farewell to one of the most influential political figures in the state.
The mortal remains of the 66-year-old leader were first brought to his Katewadi residence and later taken to the Vidya Pratishthan ground, where family members, well-wishers, and political leaders assembled to pay their last respects. His sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, lit the funeral pyre and performed the last rites according to family traditions.
Leaders Across Political Spectrum Pay Tribute
Several top national and state leaders attended the funeral ceremony, reflecting Ajit Pawar’s towering political stature. Among those present were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, BJP President Nitin Gadkari, and other senior political dignitaries from across parties.
Heavy security arrangements were made in and around Baramati, particularly near the airport and funeral venue, in view of the arrival of high-profile leaders and the massive public turnout.
Tragic Plane Crash
Ajit Pawar lost his life on Wednesday morning when a chartered business jet carrying him and four others crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport. He was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to address public meetings ahead of upcoming rural body elections.
Those who also lost their lives in the accident included the pilots Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak, flight attendant Pinky Mali, and Pawar’s personal security officer Vidhit Jadhav. An official investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.
A Legacy Spanning Four Decades
Born on 22 July 1959 to Asha and Anantrao Pawar, Ajit Pawar began his political journey in 1982 and went on to become one of Maharashtra’s most powerful leaders. He served eight terms as MLA from Baramati, entered the Lok Sabha in 1991, and later vacated the seat for his uncle, veteran leader Sharad Pawar, who became a Union minister.
Ajit Pawar created history by serving as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister six times, working under multiple chief ministers including Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde. Known for his administrative grip and political acumen, he remained a central figure in Maharashtra politics for over four decades.
He is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and his sons Jay Pawar and Parth Pawar.
State Mourning Declared
Following his demise, the Maharashtra government announced a three-day state mourning period. National flags are being flown at half-mast, and all official government events have been cancelled as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
Ajit Pawar’s death has left a deep void in Maharashtra’s political landscape, with leaders across party lines describing his passing as an irreparable loss to public life.
