Baramati, a political stronghold in Maharashtra, is preparing for a somber farewell to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The NCP leader’s last rites will be performed with full state honors on Thursday following his tragic death in a plane crash.
Pawar’s body has been placed at Vidya Pratishthan Maidan for public viewing. Thousands of supporters, party workers, and locals are expected to pay their respects throughout the day, turning the event into a massive tribute to the veteran politician.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and several senior leaders have confirmed their attendance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are also anticipated to join the funeral proceedings, underscoring the national significance of Pawar’s passing.
In response to the tragedy, the Maharashtra government has declared three days of state mourning. National flags will fly at half-mast on all government buildings across the state, reflecting the profound loss felt by the political fraternity.
Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) in connection with the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken over the probe into the incident involving the Learjet 45, registered as VT-SSK and operated by VSR Ventures.
The aircraft carried Pawar, his Personal Security Officer, a flight attendant, and four crew members including Pilot-in-Command Sumit Kapoor and Second-in-Command Shambhavi Pathak. Other victims identified include Vidit Jadhav and Pinki Mali.
According to the Civil Aviation Ministry, the flight had aborted its initial landing sequence before being cleared to touch down on Runway 11 at 8:43 AM. This crash raises alarming concerns, especially since VSR Ventures was involved in another Learjet 45 incident on September 14, 2023, at Mumbai Airport—a case still under investigation.
Ajit Pawar’s death marks a significant void in Maharashtra politics. His legacy in Baramati and contributions to the NCP will be remembered as crowds gather to bid him adieu, prompting questions about aviation safety and leadership transitions in the state.
