Ajit Pawar’s last day at the Mantralaya followed a familiar rhythm of duty and decision-making. According to the Deputy Chief Minister’s Office (DCMO), Ajit Pawar spent nearly seven hours at Mantralaya on Tuesday, chairing back-to-back meetings that included a police review, a state revenue review, the cabinet meeting, and discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Dressed in his trademark white kurta-pyjama, Pawar arrived at Mantralaya at 8.10 am. A senior aide from the DCMO said Pawar was particular about punctuality and discipline. “Sir has been particular about punctuality and timing for his work. I was here to greet him in his office and assist with his work as he was in and out of review meetings and the cabinet meeting,” the official said. Deserted corridors at Mantralaya on Wednesday, as officials left for Baramati following the news of Ajit Pawar’s death Pawar chaired a police briefing between 9 am and 9.30 am, followed by a detailed review of revenue collection across the state from 9.30 am to 11 am.On Wednesday, the atmosphere at the DCMO office on the sixth floor of Mantralaya was starkly different. The usually busy corridor stood deserted, with most officials having left for Baramati after news of Pawar’s death broke. Only a handful of staff remained behind, sitting quietly in a small room, watching the news unfold on television. Pointing to a stack of files lying on a table, official said, “Sir had a hectic, as usual, day yesterday [Tuesday]. These were the last bunch of files he studied and approved. We just now pulled them out to see what our day was like yesterday.” “We feel very sad and nostalgic,” the official added, tearing up and then breaking down in his office chair. Pawar signed over 30 files on Tuesday, according to information shared by the DCMO with mid-day on Wednesday afternoon. Pointing to the top-most file on the pile with Ajit Pawar’s signature at the bottom of the first page, an official said, “We discussed how this one is likely the file he signed on. He wanted to review this issue and had asked for it at his official residence when he was leaving. It now has his signature.” Pawar approved a significant amount authorising the release of salaries of Ashram school teachers pending for six months, the DCMO told mid-day, adding that it is R350 crore. When asked for details about the final issue that received his stamp of approval, the official said in tears, “For you this is your work, but for me, I have lost my boss, who we looked up to and loved. This is a shock, and we are grieving. You can pursue decisions and information about work another day.” At the end of Wednesday, the file was sent to the finance department, from where funds are to be released, an official confirmed late on Wednesday. Pawar left from Mantralaya for Devgiri, his official residence, at 3 pm on Tuesday, after meeting with the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “We did not expect today [Wednesday] to unfold this way. It should have been another day of work, as was routine,” one of the officials added. Pawar was scheduled to attend three rallies in Baramati and was then scheduled to leave for Pune. He was expected to return to his office in Mantralaya on February 9.
29 January,2026 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSMumbai Police Constable Vidip Dilip Jadhav, a resident of Kalwa near Thane, died on Wednesday morning in the air crash that also claimed the life of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, with whom he was deployed as part of the security detail. Jadhav had been working with Pawar for the past four years, and served with the Mumbai Police since 2009. He is survived by his wife Sandya, daughter, a son, and his parents. Jadhav lived in Surya Nagar, a quiet locality near Vitawa in Kalwa, where neighbours remember the family with affection. “The entire family shifted here nearly 20 years ago. They are a happy, close-knit family… very cordial people,” said Chanda Ringe, who is close to the family. “All of us in this neighbourhood are very close, like an extended family. Vidip was rarely home because of work, but Sandya and I spent a lot of time together.” A photo of the Jadhav family Speaking about the tragedy, Ringe said, “What happened is utterly shocking and unbelievable. We are still trying to process it. It must be incredibly difficult for Sandya and the children.” “His daughter is a Std VII student, and his son, the younger of the siblings, study at a government school in Thane. They are very smart children and were very close to their father,” said Rushi Borse, a neighbour. Poster outside Surya Nagar in Kalwa. Pics/Aishwarya Iyer Echoing the sentiment, Ringe said, “Even though he served with the Mumbai Police, he never bragged or showed his authority. He was a very humble person. Whenever we had festivities in our chawl, his family was always present, but Vidip was usually busy with work. On the rare occasions he did manage to come, he would behave just like everyone else.” Before his deployment with Pawar, Jadhav was posted in Naigaon, Dadar, with the Protection Department of the Mumbai Police. The colony where Jadhav resided On Wednesday morning, Jadhav’s wife Sandya left for work as usual, at the medicine counter of a government hospital. “She has a background in pharmacy and had recently joined the hospital. When the news broke, she was unaware and was still at work. It was Vidip’s parents who first heard about the incident on television. We called Sandya and informed her, after which she rushed home,” said Vidya Shane, a neighbour and close friend of Sandya. Shane added that initially, Jadhav’s parents found it difficult to believe the news, and went into shock after they began receiving phone calls. Several police personnel and officials arrived at the residence around 10.30 am to escort the family to Pune. Jadhav’s body will be taken to Satara, his native place, for last rites. 10.30Time in morning cops took family to Pune Voices Chanda Ringe, a neighbourThe entire family shifted here nearly 20 years ago. They are a happy, close-knit family… very cordial people Vidya Shane, a neighbourIt was Vidip’s parents who first heard about the incident on television. We called Sandya and informed her, after which she rushed home
29 January,2026 08:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya IyerAjit Pawar’s reputation for discipline extends beyond politics to his food habits and daily routine, say leaders who have spent years working closely with him. “Though politically we separated, my connection with Ajit dada goes back many years. Till the time we belonged to one party, we would eat together almost every day. And even after that, whenever we are in front of each other, we would not hesitate to share the table. He never brought political separations between us over a plate of food,” MLA Sandeep Bajoria told mid-day. “It’s impossible to imagine Maharashtra without Ajit Pawar. It feels like I will eat with him again in a day or two.” Bajoria said Pawar followed simple but strict food rules rooted in tradition. He preferred ghee made only from cow’s milk and insisted it be prepared at home, while oil was avoided as far as possible. “Wherever feasible, meals were cooked only in cow milk ghee instead of oil,” he said. Cleanliness was equally important. “He would never eat without washing his hands and made sure everyone at the table did the same. He would always ask, ‘Kay re… haath dhutle ka?’ before starting the meal,” Bajoria added. Sharing a few more details, Pankaj Mohod, who once would serve food to Ajit Pawar daily, and is now a partyman of NCP (Sharad Pawar) faction, remembered how Ajit dada’s dabba would always have food sufficient not just for him but also for at least three more people. “He would always ensure that all helping him and all around him are well-fed,” said Mohod. Mohod also spoke about Pawar’s tightly planned mornings. “His day would begin at 6.15 am with breakfast, followed by his first official appointment at 6.45 am. While having breakfast, he would finish reading an entire Marathi newspaper in about 30 minutes,” he said, adding that while breakfast timing was fixed, lunch and dinner timings were flexible. Even during hectic political tours, Pawar avoided outside food. “Even if he had headaches due to hunger, he would not eat food from outside and would only have the dabba sent from home. During campaigns, he would ask aides to arrange meals at someone’s house whenever possible, and one of his cooks would often travel with the team to guide food preparation,” Mohod said. In vegetarian cuisine, Pawar’s favourites included vegetables made from dill leaves (shepuchi bhaji) and fenugreek (methi) leaves. When it came to non-vegetarian food, Pawar preferred seafood.
29 January,2026 07:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarIn the early hours of Wednesday, at Prabhadevi, it was business as usual for the Mali family until they switched on the television for their morning news. The harrowing news of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s demise left the family stunned for a minute. Soon, they read their daughter’s name among the dead in a ticker tape below. The 29-year-old flight attendant from Mumbai, Pinky Mali, was taken by the crash too. The calls started flooding in, and the truth sank in for the family.Her younger brother, Karan Mali, 24, was already at work when his phone started ringing. His friends intimated to him the incident, and he instantly rang up his sister to check up on her. There was no answer. Karan spoke to his father and rushed back home. Flight attendant Pinky Mali with Ajit Pawar. Pic/By Special Arrangement Pinky had boarded the Baramati-bound private plane from Mumbai along with Pawar, his PSO, and two pilots, who were all declared dead shortly after the crash. “Pinky had been working with the private jet company for about a year,” said Karan. “She had worked with other commercial airlines in the past too, but she met with a bike accident a few years ago, after which she started guiding youngsters who dreamed of being a part of the cabin crew. Soon after, she received an offer with this private jet company and started working there,” Karan added. Pinki’s brother Karan Mali, 24. Pic/Ashish Raje Pinky’s father, Shivkumar Mali, was an office-bearer of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) for 35 years. After a while, he moved to Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), the brother informed. “Pinky had flown with Ajit Dada in the past too. She would bring up our father’s affiliation with the party while talking to him. This morning, when I went to work, some of my friends called to ask whether she was okay, since they knew that she travelled with him, too,” said Karan. Now residing in Worli’s Century Bazar MHADA buildings, the family formerly resided in the slums of Gopal Nagar. Despite all difficulties, Pinky persevered and remained adamant on her aim of becoming the flight attendant. After her career with the airlines, she hoped to counsel underprivileged aviation aspirants free of cost and told her family the same on a phone call last night. Married in 2021, without children, Pinky resided in Kalwa and is survived by her husband, Somvikar Saini. “Last night, she told us that she was flying to Baramati and planned to check into a hotel in Nanded, after which she would ring us again. She was very mindful about our journey from the slums to where we are today and hoped to set up an academy where she could guide more underprivileged youth into this industry too,” said Shivkumar Mali while talking to mid-day. 29Age of Flight attendant Pinky Mali
29 January,2026 07:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi AlurkarLast minutes of the flight 8.18 am Aircraft VT-SSK established first contact with Baramati. Weather Information: Winds calm; visibility approximately 3000 metres. Crew reported runway not in sight initially; later stated runway was in sight. 8.43 am Aircraft cleared to land on Runway 11. No readback of landing clearance was received. 8.44 am Flames observed near the threshold on the left side of Runway 11. Emergency services responded immediately. [Baramati is an uncontrolled airfield, with traffic information provided by instructors/pilots from local flying training organisations.] Wreckage of the chartered plane that crashed on Wednesday. Pic/PTI 8.45 am Chartered plane crash-landing time
29 January,2026 07:38 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentDo you know what the stars hold for you in terms of love life, career, business and personal wellness today? Well, read on to know your astrological predictions as per your zodiac sign for January 29. Aries March 21 – April 20An unnecessary argument in the morning can be side-stepped by keeping in mind what annoys your spouse/ partner. Cosmic tip: Be aware of special opportunities at work, volunteering to take care of them. TaurusApril 21 – May 20A realistic approach to a situation helps deal with any challenges. Viewing life from a different perspective brings realisation about being so lucky.Cosmic tip: Choose contentment and mental peace. GeminiMay 21 – June 21The day begins peacefully enough, but by mid-day certain options seem to be closing one by one, which is confusing.Cosmic tip: Avoid relying on anyone else for things you can handle yourself. Cancer June 22 – July 23Keeping late nights to a minimum keeps the mind sharp and clear for the next day’s work. An office memo explains a lot of what’s happening behind the scenes.Cosmic tip: Don’t share opinions. Leo July 24 - Aug 23A younger family member initiates the desire to share living space with two other friends. Discuss finances with him/her.Cosmic tip: Share information clearly but without seeming to be too forthright. Virgo Aug 24 – Sept 23Life is never static, even if it seems so at times. Certain changes have been in the pipeline which begin manifesting soon.Cosmic tip: Appreciate what today brings. Keep good news under your hat. Libra Sept 24 – Oct 22Librans who have already met their karmic soulmate remain in a (normally) space of thankfulness. Cosmic tip: Accept your spouse/ partner’s point of view to further strengthen the relationship. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Being moderate in all aspects of life makes it easier to maintain a calm and collected mind-set that doesn’t jump to conclusions or get agitated.Cosmic tip: Be mindful in the present moment. Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 22There is a raise in salary and a business trip for some. Seriously consider a younger family member’s point of view.Cosmic tip: Be pro-active in a relationship going south. Really understand the issue. Capricorn Dec 23 – Jan 20Work requires putting in more of an effort than usual. Do get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Calmly discuss a matter to pinpoint how it can be resolved, taking both points of view in mind. Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19A business partnership is overall good, but with a slight tense moment now and then. Get enough sleep.Cosmic tip: Speak what’s on your mind first; then it’s fine to just wait it out. Pisces Feb 20 – March 20Something you wished for has manifested. Singles meet someone very settled and sorted in life. Health is good.Cosmic tip: Make a well thought out decision first before the universe steps in to help.
29 January,2026 01:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Shirley BoseMumbai Police on Wednesday paid tribute to Ajit Pawar's Personal Security Officer Vidip Jadhav who died in the tragic plane crash while on duty. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar along with Vidip Jadhav and three others, including the pilot, co-pilot and staff member was killed in the plane crash on Wednesday morning near Baramati in Pune district of Maharashtra. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the passengers included Ajit Pawar (Deputy CM, NCP Chief), Vidip Jadhav (PSO, Mumbai Police Constable), Pinki Mali (Flight Attendant), Sumit Kapoor (Staff Member), Captain Sahil Madan (Pilot-in-Command). In a post on Instagram, Mumbai Police stated that Jadhav's unfortunate demise had left the police force and the city in deep shock and grief. The incident was described as a devastating loss for the Mumbai Police, which lost a dedicated and duty-bound officer in the line of service. Senior officials and colleagues expressed sorrow over his tragic death. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Commissioner, Mumbai Police (@cpmumbaipolice) According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the passengers included Ajit Pawar, Vidip Jadhav (PSO, Mumbai Police Constable) Pinki Mali (Flight Attendant) Sumit Kapoor (Staff Member) Captain Sahil Madan (Pilot-in-Command) First Officer (Co-Pilot) A committed officer lost in the line of duty Vidip Jadhav was known as a sincere and hardworking constable who carried out his responsibilities with discipline and commitment. His death is an irreparable loss to the force, officials said. Officials said that Jadhav, a Mumbai Police constable from the 2009 batch, was serving as the Personal Security Officer (PSO) to Ajit Pawar at the time of the incident. He was widely regarded as a dedicated officer. No survivors in crash According to the DGCA, the aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar and four others crash-landed at Baramati airport on Wednesday, killing all those on board. The DGCA dispatched a team of officials to the crash site to investigate the incident. The aircraft involved was a Learjet 45. According to the official, there were five people on board at the time of the accident, Ajit Pawar, two accompanying personnel, including a personal security officer and an attendant, and two crew members comprising the pilot-in-command and the first officer. None of the occupants survived the crash, the official said. Limited visibility According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the aircraft made first contact with Baramati at 8:18 a.m. and was cleared by Pune approach while inbound. During the approach to Runway 11, the pilots reported limited visibility and carried out a go-around after failing to sight the runway. On the second attempt, the crew said the runway was visible and the aircraft was cleared to land at 8:43 a.m., but no readback was received. About one minute later, ground staff saw flames near the runway threshold, followed by a loud explosion. Emergency teams rushed to the site, where the wreckage was found close to the runway. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken charge of the probe.
28 January,2026 10:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSenior officials at the Central Railway (CR) headquarters on Wednesday recalled how Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar emerged as a strong driver of railway infrastructure expansion across the state during late 2025 and early 2026. Ajit Pawar, 66, was killed in a plane crash near Baramati in Pune district of Maharashtra on Wednesday morning. According to officials, Pawar took a keen personal interest in projects aimed at improving rail connectivity in western Maharashtra and Marathwada, particularly in Pune, Beed and surrounding regions. A top Central Railway official said that Ajit Pawar consistently pushed for three major rail projects that he considered priorities — the Daund-Baramati line, the Baramati-Phaltan-Lonand route, and the Ahilyanagar-Beed-Parli Vaijnath corridor. “These projects were aimed at bridging long-standing connectivity gaps, with Baramati positioned as a central hub,” the official said, adding that Pawar regularly reviewed progress and followed up with railway authorities. Push for Pune suburban rail upgrade Ajit Pawar also strongly backed the expansion and upgradation of the Pune suburban railway network, especially the busy Pune-Lonavala section. The project, estimated at Rs 5,100 crore, involved cost-sharing between the Centre and the Maharashtra government, with the state agreeing to bear 50 per cent of the expenditure. Officials said Pawar viewed the suburban rail upgrade as critical to easing congestion and improving daily travel for commuters in the Pune region. Beed rail link a long-awaited milestone In Marathwada, Pawar played a key role in the inauguration of railway connectivity to Beed, a district that had remained without rail access for decades. “We explained to him how the Beed project had been stalled due to land acquisition issues,” an official recalled. “He took a personal interest in resolving the bottlenecks.” The project is expected to significantly improve access and economic opportunities in one of Maharashtra’s historically under-connected regions.
28 January,2026 09:54 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarNationalist Congress Party (NCP SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday described the plane crash that killed his nephew, Ajit Pawar, as a tragic accident and urged that it should not be politicised, reported the PTI. Speaking to reporters, Sharad Pawar said Ajit Pawar’s death was a major shock for Maharashtra and described him as a hardworking and efficient leader whose loss was “irreparable”. He added, “Not all things are in our hands,” the news agency reported. Sharad Pawar appeared to respond indirectly to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has demanded a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the crash. He said there was no politics involved and urged people not to make political claims about the incident. “A stand was floated from Kolkata that there is some politics involved in this incident. But there is nothing like this. There is no politics in it. It was an accident. I request not to bring politics into it,” he said. Mamata Banerjee seeks SC-monitored probe Mamata Banerjee has argued that existing agencies are compromised and only a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the aircraft crash would be credible. She claimed the truth would not emerge through current mechanisms. अजित पवार ह्यांचा अपघाती मृत्यू हा महाराष्ट्राला प्रचंड मोठा धक्का आहे. एक कर्तृत्ववान आणि निर्णय घेण्याची शक्ती ज्यांच्यात आहे अशा व्यक्तीला महाराष्ट्र आज मुकला. जे काही नुकसान झालंय ते भरून निघणारं नाही पण सगळ्याच गोष्टी काही आपल्या हातात नसतात.मी आज मिडियासमोर येणार नव्हतो… pic.twitter.com/SI2qBqsnpH — Sharad Pawar (@PawarSpeaks) January 28, 2026 Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, supported Banerjee’s demand for an independent investigation. Several opposition leaders, including Kharge, stated that Banerjee’s demand for a court-monitored probe was valid. Crash should be probed: Congress Kharge said the crash should be investigated as it was a serious incident. He questioned why a small plane crashed when larger aircraft have had similar accidents in the past. He also offered condolences and said Ajit Pawar’s death was a great loss, according to the PTI. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said Banerjee’s demand was justified and called for an impartial inquiry, citing previous similar incidents involving VIPs, reported the PTI. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai also urged a thorough investigation, noting the rising number of private and chartered flights and the recurring technical issues reported after accidents, the news agency reported. Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Follow LIVE Updates here Ministers reject political claims Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu criticised Banerjee’s remarks, calling them “dirty politics” and unfair during a time of mourning. He said such comments should have waited until after the last rites and accused her of acting for political gain, according to the PTI. BJD Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra said the Pune incident should be fully investigated. (with PTI inputs)
28 January,2026 09:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra government has declared Wednesday, January 28, a holiday across all state government offices and schools following the sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar in a plane crash earlier in the day in Baramati, Pune district. Official circulars issued by the general administration department (GAD), the directorate of education, and the divisional deputy director of education, Mumbai, confirm a three-day state mourning period until Friday, January 30. The national flag will fly at half-mast on all government buildings where it is regularly hoisted, and no official entertainment programmes will be held during this time. “Shri Ajit Anantrao Pawar, Honourable Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, passed away today, the 28th January 2026… The Government of Maharashtra hereby declares the closing of all offices of the State Government throughout the state on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026,” the official circular said. A separate letter issued by the directorate ofeducation (secondary and higher secondary), Pune, reiterated that all the secondary and higher secondary schools in the state would remain closed only on January 28 as there was confusion earlier over whether the educational institutions will be closed on all the three days of mourning. The education department has instructed all primary, secondary, higher-secondary schools, and junior colleges statewide to remain closed on Wednesday. Separate letters from the directorate of education and the Mumbai Divisional Deputy Director direct officials to immediately inform all institutions under their jurisdiction. Schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and across Maharashtra have been shut for the day. Ajit Pawar, 66, was travelling in a chartered Learjet 45 from Mumbai to Baramati when the aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. Four others — two pilots, a crew member, and Pawar’s personal security officer — also lost their lives in the incident. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched a probe into the incident. Political leaders across party lines have expressed shock and grief. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar are among those who paid tributes to the veteran leader, popularly known as “Dada”. Ajit Pawar plane crash Live updates: Follow our live blog for real-time updates Fadnavis calls Pawar’s death an irreparable loss Further details on the funeral and last rites are awaited. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Fadnavis said the decision on Pawar’s last rites would be taken after discussions with his family. “A state holiday has been declared and three days of state mourning announced. This is an irreparable loss for the entire state of Maharashtra,” he said, adding that a “wave of sorrow” had spread across the state. Remembering Pawar as a determined and hardworking leader who made a significant contribution to Maharashtra’s development, Fadnavis called the tragedy a personal loss. “Ajit Dada never wavered under any circumstances. It takes years to build such leadership. His demise is shocking, and for me, it is the loss of a close friend. It is also a huge loss for his family,” said the Maharashtra CM. CM, Dy CM to head to Baramati Fadnavis said he and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde would leave for Baramati shortly. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had spoken to him and conveyed their condolences. “Once we reach Baramati and speak to the family, a decision regarding the funeral will be taken,” Fadnavis said, adding that he had already spoken to Pawar's cousin and NCP (SP) Member of Parliament (MP) Supriya Sule and son Parth. Crowds gather at hospital; family travels to Baramati Meanwhile, a large crowd gathered outside the hospital in Baramati where Pawar’s mortal remains were brought. NCP working president Praful Patel, along with Sule, Pawar’s wife Sunetra, and Parth, departed from New Delhi for Baramati.
28 January,2026 09:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFollowing the tragic demise of Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on Wednesday, a light-hearted moment from Maharashtra’s post-poll political negotiations has resurfaced, reminding many of the NCP chief’s sharp wit. During a press conference in Mumbai in December 2024, Ajit Pawar shared a humorous exchange with Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde while questions were raised about the oath-taking ceremony for the new Maharashtra government after the conclusion of assembly polls. When Shinde asked reporters to “wait till evening” for clarity, Ajit Pawar had quipped, “I will take the oath, I won’t wait,” drawing laughter from those present. Shinde responded with a playful remark about Ajit Pawar’s past experience of taking oath at different times, further lightening the mood. The moment is now being widely recalled as a glimpse of Ajit Pawar’s candid personality amid serious political deliberations. #WATCH | Mumbai: When asked if he and NCP chief Ajit Pawar will also take oath as Deputy CMs tomorrow, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde says, "Wait till evening..."Replying to Shinde, NCP chief Ajit Pawar says, "Sham tak unka samaj aayega, I will take it (oath), I will not wait."… pic.twitter.com/ZPfgg6Knco — ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2024 Ajit Pawar, 66, was killed in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday morning. His final rites will be held in Pune on Thursday. Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Follow LIVE Updates here Ajit Pawar's one-liner remembered When asked whether he and Ajit Pawar would take oath as Deputy Chief Ministers on December 5, 2024, Eknath Shinde responded with a smile, urging reporters to “wait till evening”, adding a note of suspense around the ceremony. Ajit Pawar, known for his sharp wit, was quick to interject. “Sham tak unka samaj aayega,” he remarked, before adding pointedly, “I will take it. I will not wait,” signalling his readiness to assume office without hesitation. Shinde’s playful retort draws laughter Not missing the chance for a riposte, Shinde quipped that Pawar had the “experience of taking oath both in the morning and evening”, a tongue-in-cheek reference to Pawar’s earlier stints as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister. The remark triggered laughter among those present, momentarily easing the political tension surrounding government formation. Clip surfaces online Following reports on Wednesday that Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Pune, the clip has resurfaced on social media, with many recalling the veteran leader’s political acumen and quick humour. The exchange is now being remembered as one of the lighter moments in Maharashtra’s otherwise turbulent political landscape. Ajit Pawar to be cremated with state honours The last rites of Ajit Pawar, who was killed in the plane crash, will be held with full state honours on Thursday in Baramati, in Pune district, reported the PTI. The funeral will take place at the Vidya Pratishthan ground at 11 a.m. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said that leaders from across the political spectrum will attend, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to be present, the news agency reported. The crash occurred on Wednesday morning, shortly after Ajit Pawar and four others took off from Mumbai. In addition to Pawar, the victims included his personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members, the pilot-in-command and the first officer. Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and two sons, Parth and Jay.
28 January,2026 08:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
