Ajit Pawar Funeral: Maharashtra Mourns as State Leader Gets Final Tribute

The state of Maharashtra is in deep mourning following the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who lost his life in a plane crash near Baramati Airport earlier this week. Today, the state bid farewell to one of its most prominent political figures in a funeral marked by emotional public grief, state honours, and widespread tributes from political leaders, citizens, and party workers alike.

The flower-decorated chariot carries Ajit Pawar’s mortal remains through the town.

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The Funeral: Ceremony, Procession, and Public Homage

Ajit Pawar’s last rites were held at 11 am at the Vidya Pratishthan Grounds in Baramati, where thousands of supporters gathered to pay their final respects.

The day began with a public procession starting around 9 am, during which his mortal remains were taken on a flower-decorated chariot through key parts of the town. Many citizens, party workers, and local residents lined the streets to pay tribute as the procession passed.

The ceremony was conducted with full state honours, and senior political figures attended, reflecting the stature Pawar held in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

Maharashtra’s Official Mourning

In response to the tragedy, the Maharashtra government declared three days of state mourning, during which flags were flown at half-mast and official entertainment events were cancelled as a mark of respect.

Government offices across the state remained closed, showing official solidarity and grief for the veteran leader. Governance functions continued with respect paid to his legacy.

Public Sentiment and Political Reactions

The mood in Baramati was sombre and emotional, with crowds chanting slogans in remembrance of Pawar after his death. Supporters, party members, and citizens joined together in collective grief as they witnessed the final farewell of a leader many affectionately called “Dada.”

Political leaders from across the spectrum expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Pawar’s long service, noting his administrative experience and contributions to the state’s development. National figures also attended the funeral proceedings.

Ajit Pawar’s Legacy

Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was a major figure in Maharashtra politics with decades of experience. His sudden departure has left a significant leadership void, especially for his party and the coalition government. Opinions on his political career varied widely, but there was a shared recognition of his influence on state governance and local leadership.

His death not only triggered a period of official mourning but also sparked discussions about what lies ahead for local politics and the future direction of the political landscape in western Maharashtra.

Final Thoughts: A Leader’s Last Journey

The funeral of Ajit Pawar was more than a ceremonial tribute it was a moment of collective reflection on the life and service of a leader who shaped regional politics for years. From the streets of Baramati to the halls of state government, his loss has resonated across all sections of society.

As Maharashtra continues to process this sudden and tragic event, the funeral stands as a testament to both his political journey and the profound impact he had on those he served.