Full state honours, grieving family and an ocean of mourners mark the final farewell to Maharashtra’s most powerful mass leader
Sunetra Pawar (wife of the late Ajit Pawar), flanked by sons Parth and Jay, breaks down during the final rites even as MP Supriya Sule, Ajit Pawar’s cousin, consoles her. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours on Thursday, around 12.12 pm at the Vidya Pratishtan campus in Baramati. His sons Parth and Jay Pawar lit the funeral pyre, even as his wife Sunetra broke down during the final rites.
A testament to Ajit Pawar’s mass appeal was the staggering crowd of people who turned up. In one emotionally charged moment, an elderly woman, holding a rakhi in her trembling hands, broke down in tears. “I came to tie this rakhi for him,” she cried. “This time my wish remained unfulfilled.” Ajit Pawar’s Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched last year, emerged as one of the most popular schemes in Maharashtra.
The atmosphere turned deeply emotional as a massive crowd gathered for the final farewell. Cries of grief and slogans of “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe” and “Ajit Dada parat ya” echoed across Baramati, reflecting the profound public sorrow over the loss of the veteran leader.
A sea of people can be seen at the Vidya Pratishtan campus in Baramati for the funeral of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was cremated with full state honours on Thursday
Emotional farewell
Ajit Pawar’s mortal remains were first kept for public viewing at his native village, Katewadi, on Wednesday evening. From the early hours of Thursday, supporters from across Maharashtra arrived in large numbers to pay their respects. The crowd swelled to such an extent that police personnel initially struggled to manage the situation. Order was later restored following an appeal by MLA Rohit Pawar.
The body was later brought to the Vidya Pratishtan campus in Baramati, where his wife Sunetra Pawar, along with other family members, paid their last respects.
Tragic death
Ajit Pawar, 66, died on Wednesday morning in a plane crash at Baramati. He was travelling in a mid-size business jet that had taken off from Mumbai at 8.10 am and was scheduled to address rallies for the upcoming rural local body elections. Four others also lost their lives in the crash. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the incident, including an examination of the aircraft operator’s role and the condition of the Baramati airstrip.
End of dynamic political era
Ajit Pawar was widely regarded not merely as a political leader but as an institution of governance and development. Known for his discipline, decisiveness and deep connection with rural Maharashtra, his demise has left party workers and supporters deeply shaken. Many mourners were visibly emotional upon seeing the leader, known for his commanding presence and firm voice, lying still for the final time.
A massive crowd gathers at the Vidya Pratishtan campus in Baramati for the funeral of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who was cremated with full state honours on Thursday. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Senior leaders attend funeral
Several senior leaders from across the political spectrum attended the funeral. National leaders who made it included Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Ramdas Athawale and Praful Patel. State leadership included Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare, Jayant Patil, Sushilkumar Shinde, Ashok Chavan, Uddhav Thackeray, and Raj Thackeray, along with members of their families. Others present were Andhra Pradesh leader Nara Lokesh, actor Riteish Deshmukh, and several MPs, MLAs, and office-bearers from various political parties. Leaders across parties described Ajit Pawar’s death as an irreparable loss to Maharashtra.
City, villages fall silent
A pall of silence descended over Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad as the region mourned the sudden loss of its long-time leader and former guardian minister.
Deserted roads all day
As a mark of respect, the Pune District Auto Rickshaw Driver-Owner Association and several city rickshaw unions announced a complete suspension of auto services on Thursday. Services remained suspended from 8 am to 5 pm, with unions stating the shutdown was in remembrance of Ajit Pawar’s contribution to the development of Pune and its surrounding areas.
Baramati reflects humanity
Even as Maharashtra mourned, Baramati witnessed an extraordinary display of compassion and social responsibility.
Thousands of supporters arriving from different districts were provided free food and accommodation by local residents, institutions, and traders. Despite personal grief, citizens ensured visitors faced no inconvenience.
As news of Ajit Pawar’s death spread, waves of supporters poured into the town. Local residents and business owners joined hands to arrange meals, drinking water and shelter. Several organisations and volunteers set up food distribution centres across Baramati.
Ajit Pawar’s mortal remains were kept at the Vidya Pratishtan grounds for public viewing late into the night. Despite the cold weather and emotional strain, volunteers continued distributing food and water.
“Dada always taught us the value of humanity. Serving those who came to bid him farewell is the true tribute to his legacy,” said a local volunteer. At a time of intense political and personal grief for the Pawar family, the compassion shown by the people of Baramati stood out as a powerful reminder of collective humanity, illuminating the moment of loss with selfless service.
12.12 pm
Time of cremation
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