Sons Parth and Jay Pawar Light the Pyre as Grieving Baramati Weeps in Farewell to Ajit Pawar
Baramati turned into a sea of grief on January 29, 2026, as thousands gathered to bid farewell to Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and senior NCP leader, Ajit Pawar. His mortal remains, draped in the tricolour, were carried from his native village Katewadi to the Vidya Pratishthan ground, where chants of “Ajit Dada amar rahe” filled the air. Flower petals showered the procession, reflecting the deep bond Pawar shared with the people of his stronghold.
Leaders Across Party Lines Pay Tribute
The funeral was attended by top leaders from both state and national politics, underscoring Pawar’s stature.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari marked the Centre’s presence.
- Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde joined the ceremony.
- Sharad Pawar, the NCP patriarch, stood alongside his daughter Supriya Sule, visibly moved.
- Praful Patel, NCP working president, also paid his respects.
Their attendance highlighted Pawar’s influence across party lines and his role as a key strategist in Maharashtra’s coalition politics.
Family’s Emotional Farewell
उपमुख्यमंत्री अजित पवार यांच्या पार्थिवावर आज #बारामती येथे शासकीय इतमामात अंत्यसंस्कार करण्यात आले. यावेळी केंद्रीय गृहमंत्री अमित शाह, मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस, उपमुख्यमंत्री एकनाथ शिंदे यांनी पुष्पचक्र अर्पण करुन श्रद्धांजली अर्पण केली. तसेच केंद्रीय व राज्य मंत्रिमंडळातील… pic.twitter.com/DVPCAtQzd2
— MAHARASHTRA DGIPR (@MahaDGIPR) January 29, 2026
The most heart-rending moments came from Pawar’s family. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP, stood close to her husband’s body with moist eyes, offering water and flowers before cremation. Sons Parth and Jay performed the final rites, their grief mirrored by the thousands present. The family’s farewell struck a deep chord with supporters, many of whom considered Ajit Pawar their “Ajit Dada.”
Public Mourning in Baramati
Citizens from across Maharashtra travelled to Baramati to pay their respects. The atmosphere was marked by folded hands, tears, chants, and floral tributes. For Baramati, Pawar was more than a leader—he was a guiding figure whose presence shaped the town’s identity. The collective mourning reflected the depth of his connection with the people.
The Tragic Plane Crash
Ajit Pawar’s sudden death on January 28, 2026, in a Bombardier Learjet 45 crash in Pune district, shocked the state. He was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati for election meetings when the aircraft went down, claiming his life along with four others. The tragedy sent ripples across Maharashtra, with tributes pouring in from leaders and citizens alike.
Ajit Pawar’s Political Legacy
Known for his sharp political acumen and administrative skills, Ajit Pawar played a pivotal role in Maharashtra’s coalition politics. His ability to navigate complex equations and his reputation as a decisive leader made him one of the most influential figures in the state. His demise leaves a void not only in the NCP but also in Maharashtra’s governance, where his presence was often seen as stabilising.
Conclusion
Ajit Pawar’s funeral was more than a farewell; it was a collective moment of grief for Maharashtra. Draped in the national flag, surrounded by chants of devotion and sorrow, his final journey symbolised both his political stature and his deep connection with the people of Baramati. For the state, it marked the end of an era; for Baramati, it was the loss of a beloved son whose legacy will endure for generations.
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