Ajit Pawar Funeral Highlights: Maharashtra Bids Emotional Goodbye As ‘Dada’ Is Cremated
Maharashtra is grieving the loss of DCM Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash. The state has announced 3 days of mourning and his funeral is being be held in Baramati with full state honours today.
Background
Maharashtra plunged into grief after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a tragic private aircraft crash during landing at Baramati in Pune district on Wednesday morning. The 66-year-old leader’s...More
Sons Parth and Jay light the funeral pyre as they perform the last rites of their father.
The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar are being performed with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati. The solemn ceremony has drawn thousands of mourners, including family members, top national leaders, and state dignitaries, who gathered to pay their final respects.
The bereaved family of Captain Sumit Kapoor, pilot of the ill‑fated Learjet 45 charter plane, mourned at Punjabi Bagh where his last rites will be performed. Captain Kapoor lost his life in the Baramati crash yesterday, which claimed all five people onboard, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
The solemn gathering reflected the immense grief of the Kapoor family, as they bid farewell to the experienced pilot whose tragic end has left both his loved ones and the aviation community in shock.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and BJP National President Nitin Nabin joined mourners at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati to pay their last respects to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid his last respects to Ajit Pawar in Baramati. Joining thousands of mourners and top political leaders at the Vidya Pratishthan ground, Shah offered floral tributes during the state funeral.
Drone visuals from the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati show the solemn atmosphere as the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar are being performed. Thousands of mourners, family members, and top political leaders have gathered to bid farewell to the veteran leader, whose sudden demise in a plane crash has left Maharashtra in deep grief.
Sunetra Pawar, wife of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Rajya Sabha MP, paid her final respects to her husband during the state funeral in Baramati. Draped in grief, she joined family members, including sons Parth and Jay, as thousands of supporters and top political leaders gathered at the Vidya Pratishthan ground.
As the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were about to begin in Baramati, NCP–SCP leader Supriya Sule was seen consoling Sunetra Pawar.
In a deeply emotional moment at Baramati, Ajit Pawar’s sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, performed the final rites rituals of their father. The ceremony, held with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishthan ground, was attended by top national and state leaders, alongside thousands of mourners.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President Nitin Nabin, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, have arrived at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati to attend the last rites of Ajit Pawar.
During the state funeral of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the National Flag draped over his mortal remains was ceremonially handed over to his son, Jay Pawar, before the last rites. The solemn gesture marked the nation’s respect for the veteran leader, as thousands gathered at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati to bid farewell.
The aircraft that crashed near Baramati, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, was identified as a Learjet 45 (registration VT‑SSK), operated by VSR Ventures Pvt. Ltd.
Onboard were Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members — the pilot‑in‑command and the first officer. According to initial reports, none of the five survived.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has confirmed that all requisite response and investigative mechanisms were activated immediately following the tragic aircraft accident near Baramati. A team of three officers from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Delhi, and another three officers from the DGCA’s Mumbai Regional Office reached the crash site on January 28. The Director General of AAIB also arrived the same day.
Officials have recovered the black box of the ill‑fated aircraft, and the investigation is progressing expeditiously. The Ministry emphasised that the inquiry will be thorough, transparent, and time‑bound, conducted strictly in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the AAIB Rules, 2025.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has arrived at Baramati Airport to attend the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. He will join other senior leaders and dignitaries at the Vidya Pratishthan ground, where Pawar is being laid to rest with full state honours.
Singer Rahul Vaidya shared a heartfelt memory of Ajit Pawar, recalling how the late Deputy CM requested his favourite songs for nearly two hours during a December 2025 performance. Vaidya posted on Instagram that he never imagined it would be their last meeting, mourning the leader with the words: “Ajit Dada Pawar gone too soon, remembered forever. Om Shanti.”
The BJP, which heads the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the aftermath of Ajit Pawar’s untimely death. Unlike its strategy with the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), which it supports to counter Uddhav Thackeray, the BJP may not feel compelled to keep the NCP faction alive as a separate entity. Instead, it could look to absorb or neutralise the NCP’s base, ensuring its own expansion in Maharashtra.
After the demise of Ajit Pawar, discussions have intensified within the party about succession and the future of its leadership. Party insiders are debating whether the BJP will retain the Deputy CM’s post for the NCP and who might succeed Ajit Pawar in that role.
Since the NCP’s formation in 1999, Ajit Pawar remained a close confidant of his mentor, Sharad Pawar. Yet, tensions over succession emerged when Supriya Sule entered Parliament in 2006, sparking questions about Sharad Pawar’s political heir. This ultimately led to Ajit Pawar’s rebellion and the creation of a separate faction in June 2023.
Despite the presence of senior leaders like Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal, it is widely believed that Ajit Pawar’s son, Parth Pawar, was quietly managing party affairs behind the scenes. His role, along with the Pawar family’s enduring influence, will be central to shaping the NCP’s trajectory in the post-Ajit Pawar era.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stirred controversy by suggesting a conspiracy behind the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others.
Banerjee initially expressed shock in a post on X, writing that the incident “needs proper investigation.” Later, while speaking to media persons en route to Singur in Hooghly district, she said she had no faith in central investigation agencies to conduct an impartial probe. She demanded that the Supreme Court supervise the inquiry to “unearth the truth” behind the tragedy.
According to reports, the final words transmitted from the cockpit before the crash were: “Ohh shit…” Moments later, the aircraft went down well short of the runway threshold, though the crash site remained within the Baramati airstrip perimeter.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have arrived at Baramati Airport to attend the last rites of Ajit Pawar. From the airport, they will proceed to the Vidya Pratishthan ground, where Pawar’s funeral is being held with full state honours.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Katewadi residence of Ajit Pawar on Thursday morning to pay their last respects. The atmosphere was filled with grief as villagers chanted “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe” while offering floral tributes. Tears, slogans, and heartfelt prayers marked the farewell to the veteran leader, whose sudden death in a plane crash has left Maharashtra in shock and mourning.
Ajit Pawar’s final years were marked by dramatic political shifts. In July 2024, he led a major faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) into the state government, eventually securing the party’s iconic “clock” symbol and name. Even in his last days, Pawar was working toward unity, forging a local alliance for the upcoming municipal elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
He leaves behind a legacy of development and a transformed Baramati, alongside a void in Maharashtra’s leadership that will be felt for generations. Pawar’s journey underscores the deep connection between family legacy and politics in Maharashtra. From the cooperative movement spearheaded by his family to Sharad Pawar’s national prominence, the Pawar name has long symbolized political influence and strategic power.
Ajit Pawar held the rare distinction of serving as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister six times under four different Chief Ministers — Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde.
His expertise in Finance, Energy, and Water Resources reshaped state infrastructure, while his stronghold over the Baramati Lok Sabha seat (won in 1991) and the cooperative sector cemented his reputation as a grassroots leader. Pawar’s administrative decisiveness and relentless work ethic earned him the title of “Master of Governance,” a legacy now remembered with deep respect in Maharashtra politics.
Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant has arrived at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati to attend the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
The hearse van carrying the mortal remains of Ajit Pawar is moving towards the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati for the last rites. People have gathered along the streets, walking beside the van and paying their final respects to “Dada,” turning the procession into a poignant farewell.
The hearse van carrying the mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is on its way to the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati for the final rites. Supporters line the route, walking alongside the van and chanting tributes, creating an emotional farewell for the veteran leader.
A forensic team has reached the crash site in Baramati to collect crucial evidence from the debris of the ill‑fated plane that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are also present at the site, overseeing the investigation. The collected material will be examined to determine whether technical faults or other factors led to the tragic accident.
The hearse van carrying the mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is moving towards the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati for the final rites. Thousands of supporters are walking alongside the van, chanting tributes and paying their respects, turning the procession into a powerful display of collective grief and admiration for the veteran leader.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has reached Baramati Airport to attend the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. From the airport, he will proceed to the Vidya Pratishthan ground, where the funeral is being held with full state honours.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray has reached the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati to attend the last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. His presence adds to the stream of political leaders across parties who have gathered to pay their final respects to the veteran leader, underscoring the wide impact of Pawar’s sudden demise.
The son of Anantrao Pawar and nephew of veteran leader Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s political journey was marked by relentless work ethic and administrative decisiveness.
He entered politics in 1982 through the cooperative sector, gradually building his influence in Baramati. In 1995, he won his first MLA election, beginning a streak of victories that saw him successfully defend his Baramati seat in every subsequent election — 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019. His rise reflected both his grassroots connect and his reputation as a decisive administrator, earning him the nickname “Dada” among supporters.
Within the NCP, senior leader Prafull Patel has emerged as the strongest organisational contender following Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise. A seasoned politician and former Union minister, Patel is widely regarded as Pawar’s closest ally and currently the most influential figure in the faction. His experience in managing alliances and navigating Centre–state politics positions him as a natural successor if leadership shifts outside the family.
Other names being discussed include Jayant Patil, Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare, and Dhananjay Munde. However, none carry Ajit Pawar’s mass appeal or political authority.
In the succession debate, the first name being discussed is Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s wife and a sitting Rajya Sabha MP. Though she maintained a low profile for years, Sunetra stepped into active politics during the 2024 Lok Sabha election, contesting from Baramati against Supriya Sule.
In the succession debate, the first name being discussed is Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s wife and a sitting Rajya Sabha MP. Though she maintained a low profile for years, Sunetra stepped into active politics during the 2024 Lok Sabha election, contesting from Baramati against Supriya Sule.
Ajit Pawar’s sudden death in a plane crash has left Maharashtra politics in shock, with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) facing urgent questions about succession. Known affectionately as “Dada,” Pawar’s passing has triggered debate within both his family and the party over who will inherit his political mantle.
The charter plane that crashed in Baramati, killing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others, had landed safely in Surat just two days before the accident. Records show the aircraft arrived on January 25 and 26, carrying the Kamboj family of the Kolkata team to attend the ISPL cricket tournament in Surat.
Officials note that the cause of the crash is still unclear, with investigations underway to determine whether a technical fault or other factors were involved. While the plane had landed without incident in Surat earlier, its fatal crash in Baramati has raised pressing questions now being examined by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The mortal remains of Ajit Pawar are being taken from his Katewadi residence to the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, where his last rites will be performed with full state honours. Large crowds have gathered along the route to pay their final respects to the veteran leader.
The hearse van carrying the mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has departed from his Katewadi residence. His final journey will culminate at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, where the last rites will be performed with state honours. Crowds of supporters and dignitaries continue to gather to bid farewell to the veteran leader.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar was accorded full state honours.
Just days before the tragic plane crash, Ajit Pawar had confided in close associate Kiran Gujar that he felt weary and was considering stepping away from politics. “I don’t feel like doing this anymore. I’ve had enough,” Pawar reportedly told him. Gujar, a trustee of Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati, shared these reflections in a conversation with ABP Majha, offering rare insight into Pawar’s state of mind during his final days.
Congress veteran and former Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, along with Congress MP Praniti Shinde, arrived at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati to pay their respects during the final rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Their presence reflected the cross‑party grief over Pawar’s sudden demise, as leaders from across the political spectrum gathered to bid farewell with state honours.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep shock over the sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in the Baramati plane crash. In a post on X, Modi described Pawar as a mass leader with a strong grassroots connect, admired for his dedication to public service.
He wrote that Pawar’s hard work, administrative acumen, and commitment to the welfare of the poor and underprivileged were remarkable. Calling him “a leader of the people,” Modi said Pawar’s untimely death is both shocking and saddening, leaving a void in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde arrived at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan on Thursday morning to board a helicopter bound for Baramati. The two leaders are traveling to attend the state‑honoured funeral of late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, who died in the Baramati plane crash earlier this week.
NCP–SCP chief Sharad Pawar reached the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati to attend the final rites of his nephew, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The veteran leader’s presence underscored the gravity of the moment as family members, party colleagues, and supporters gathered in large numbers to bid farewell.
The final rites of Vidip Dilip Jadhav, personal security officer to late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, were performed in his native village in Satara on Wednesday night. His young son carried out the rituals, adding to the poignancy of the moment.
Pune Rural Police have filed an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at the Baramati Taluka Police Station following the air crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. A police official confirmed that further investigation has been initiated.
As per procedure, the ADR will be handed over to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which will conduct its probe based on findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The AAIB, functioning under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has already taken charge of the technical investigation into the crash.
Union Minister of State Raksha Khadse, on her way to Baramati, described the plane crash that claimed Ajit Pawar’s life as “heart‑rending.” She said no one could have imagined such a tragedy and noted that Maharashtra has lost a leader of rare stature. Remembering Pawar’s work in the state’s interiors and his role in development, she called him a good leader whose absence will be deeply felt.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the hospital and met with Ajit Pawar’s family members following the tragic plane crash. Police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) in connection with the incident. As per procedure, the ADR will be transferred to the Maharashtra Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which will carry out its investigation based on the findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The AAIB, functioning under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has already taken charge of the probe. Its inquiry will focus on technical and operational aspects of the crash to establish the exact cause of the tragedy.
Jay Pawar, son of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, reached the family’s residence in Katewadi as crowds gathered outside. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as preparations continued for the state‑honoured funeral. Supporters, political leaders, and locals assembled in large numbers to pay their respects, reflecting the deep impact of Pawar’s sudden demise on his home turf and across Maharashtra.
Scenes from the crash site in Baramati show the wreckage of the chartered aircraft that went down yesterday, killing all five people on board, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and forensic teams are present at the location, conducting investigations into the circumstances of the accident.
Shiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar described Ajit Pawar’s role in Maharashtra politics as truly inspirational. He recalled Pawar’s significant contributions to the cooperative sector and praised his discipline and punctuality, qualities that left a lasting impression on colleagues and supporters alike. Kesarkar said Pawar’s passing is an irreparable loss for the state, one that cannot be compensated.
Members of the Pawar family assembled at the Baramati residence of late Maharashtra DCM Ajit Pawar ahead of his final rites. NCP–SP leader Supriya Sule, along with MLA Rohit Pawar and other relatives, were present to mourn together and offer support as preparations for the cremation continued.
The family of Captain Sumit Kapur, the pilot‑in‑command who lost his life in the Baramati plane crash, has taken custody of his mortal remains. Kapur’s death, along with that of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and three others, has deepened the tragedy, leaving loved ones and colleagues mourning the loss of an experienced aviator.
V. K. Singh, the owner of VSR Ventures, explained that the pilot appeared unable to sight the runway and therefore executed a “missed approach,” a standard safety maneuver in such situations. Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has begun examining why the crew struggled to maintain visual contact with the runway despite reports of 3,000‑metre visibility at the time.
The mortal remains of Nationalist Congress Party chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were taken to his residence in Katewadi.
Alongside Ajit Pawar, four others lost their lives in the tragic crash. Captain Sumit Kapoor, an experienced pilot with over 15,000 hours of flying, was at the controls. He was accompanied by co‑pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak, who had logged 1,500 hours in the cockpit. Also on board were Pawar’s Personal Security Officer, Vidip Jadhav, and flight attendant Pinky Mali.
Their untimely deaths added to the gravity of the tragedy, leaving families and colleagues mourning across the state.
Ajit Pawar had departed from Mumbai on Wednesday morning to address four election rallies in Pune district ahead of the February 5 zilla parishad polls. The chartered Learjet carrying him was initially asked to perform a go‑around due to poor visibility at Baramati airport. Although clearance to land was eventually granted, the aircraft failed to provide a read‑back to air traffic control.
Moments later, it crashed near the edge of the tabletop runway and burst into flames, claiming the lives of Pawar and four others on board.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, along with four others, lost their lives when a chartered aircraft went down just 200 metres short of the tabletop runway at Baramati airport in Pune district on Wednesday.
The death of the 66‑year‑old leader, affectionately called Dada across Maharashtra, has created a void in the BJP‑led coalition government and cast uncertainty over the future of the Nationalist Congress Party, which he headed.
NCP founder Sharad Pawar described the incident as a tragic accident and urged that it should not be politicised. Officials confirmed that the aircraft’s “black box,” containing the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder, will be examined to determine the precise cause of the crash.
As the mortal remains of Ajit Pawar were brought to Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. Supporters raised slogans such as “Ajit Dada amar rahe” (long live Ajit Dada) and “Ajit Dada parat ya” (Ajit Dada, come back), filling the air with grief and reverence.
The gathering at his home turf reflected the deep bond Pawar shared with the people, who assembled in large numbers to pay their final respects.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, accompanied by his son and party leader Aditya Thackeray, visited the Baramati residence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The Thackerays offered their condolences to the bereaved family following Pawar’s tragic demise.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday expressed disapproval of attempts to politicize the death of his cabinet colleague Ajit Pawar. He emphasised that the tragic aircraft crash, which claimed Pawar’s life along with four others, should not be given any political spin. Shinde noted that the exact cause of the accident is currently under investigation.
Security has been intensified at Baramati Airport as preparations continue for the final rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Supporters from across the state are making their way to Vidya Pratishthan to pay their last respects.
To accommodate the large crowds expected, LED screens have been set up across the venue, ensuring that mourners can witness the proceedings as Baramati prepares to bid farewell to its leader.
Baramati is witnessing extensive preparations for the cremation of Ajit Pawar. An eight-foot-high stage was constructed overnight to host the final rites, while heavy police presence has been arranged in anticipation of VIP movement. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to attend the ceremony..
The mortal remains of Nationalist Congress Party chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar are being moved from the medical college.
Ajit Pawar lost his life in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday. The accident claimed the lives of all passengers on board.