Maharashtra Mourns Ajit Pawar: Funeral Today in Baramati With State Honours
Dy CM’s last rites with state honours at 11 am; PM Modi, Amit Shah to attend amid grief.
Maharashtra bids a final farewell to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar today as his funeral takes place with full state honours at Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati at 11 am on January 29, 2026. The 66-year-old NCP leader and veteran politician was killed in a tragic plane crash on Wednesday morning near Baramati airport, along with four others—his PSO Vidip Jadhav, flight attendant Pinky Mali, pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor, and co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak. The chartered Learjet 45 burst into flames during a landing attempt amid poor visibility, marking a devastating loss for the state and Pawar family.
Preparations are underway at the Vidya Pratishthan campus, where thousands of supporters, party workers, and residents have gathered since yesterday to pay respects. Pawar’s flower-decked mortal remains were brought from the medical college amid emotional scenes, with crowds chanting “Ajit dada amar rahe” and “Ajit dada parat ya.” The procession will pass through key areas of Baramati before the final rites. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and leaders from across parties are expected to attend, reflecting Pawar’s cross-party influence.
The crash occurred as Pawar flew from Mumbai to campaign for February 5 Zilla Parishad elections. Investigations by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau continue, with initial reports citing poor visibility and no read-back after clearance. The state observed a public holiday Wednesday and declared three days of mourning. Tributes highlight Pawar’s grassroots leadership, administrative skills, and role in Maharashtra politics, including his 2023 NCP realignment.
Also Read: PM Modi Condoles Ajit Pawar’s Death in Call to Sharad Pawar
In Baramati, his political stronghold, grief runs deep among locals and NCP workers. The tragedy also affects families of the crew, with mourning in Uttar Pradesh for Pinki Mali. As Maharashtra unites in sorrow, today’s ceremony marks the end of an era for the Pawar legacy in the state.
Also Read: Ajit Pawar's Death in Tragic Baramati Plane Crash Alters Maharashtra's Political Landscape
