Ajit Pawar Cremated With Full State Honours in Baramati After Tragic Plane Crash

Senior Maharashtra leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours in Baramati on Thursday, a day after he lost his life in a tragic plane crash. The final rites were held at the Vidya Pratishthan ground, his ancestral stronghold, amid emotional scenes and a massive turnout of supporters, party workers, and leaders from across the political spectrum.

As the funeral procession reached the cremation ground, chants of “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe” echoed through Baramati, reflecting the deep emotional connection he shared with the region. The mortal remains, draped in the national tricolour, were accorded ceremonial honours as per state protocol. His sons, Jay Pawar and Parth Pawar, lit the funeral pyre in the presence of close family members and senior dignitaries.

Several prominent national and state leaders attended the last rites to pay their respects. Among those present were Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, and MNS chief Raj Thackeray. Thousands of citizens lined the streets as the hearse moved through the town, offering flowers and salutes in silence.

Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday morning when a Bombardier Learjet 45 carrying him and four others crashed at the Baramati airport around 8:45 am. He was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to attend a Zilla Parishad election rally. All five people on board, including his personal security officer, an aide, and two crew members, lost their lives in the accident. The aircraft reportedly burst into flames upon impact, making identification of remains difficult.

Preliminary findings suggest that the crash occurred during a second landing attempt after the pilots aborted the initial approach. Poor visibility and dense fog are believed to have played a significant role. The black box has been recovered, and aviation authorities have initiated a detailed, time-bound investigation into the incident.

Following his death, the Maharashtra government announced a three-day state mourning period. Tributes poured in from across the country, including condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described Ajit Pawar as a towering political figure with a lasting impact on Maharashtra’s governance.

Known for his strong grassroots presence and administrative influence, Ajit Pawar’s political journey was closely intertwined with Baramati. His passing marks the end of an era for the region, leaving behind a significant void in Maharashtra’s political landscape.