Ajit Pawar death: Maharashtra declares holiday for schools, colleges, and government offices

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”.

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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.