Daijiworld Media Network – Baramati
Baramati, Jan 29: Baramati witnessed an outpouring of grief and respect as thousands of supporters lined the streets, chanting “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe” while the cortege made its way to the Vidya Pratishthan ground. Pawar’s son Jay, nephew Rohit Pawar, and other family members accompanied the solemn procession, reflecting the deep personal and political legacy he leaves behind.
Earlier in the day, officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and forensic teams visited the crash site in Baramati to probe the circumstances of the tragic aircraft accident. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and senior state police officers were also present. Pune Rural Police confirmed that an Accidental Death Report (ADR) has been registered at the Baramati Taluka police station, with further investigation ongoing.
Union Minister Raksha Khadse described the incident as “heartbreaking,” noting that Maharashtra had lost a leader deeply rooted in the grassroots and instrumental in shaping the state’s development. Leaders from across the political spectrum arrived in Baramati to pay their respects, including NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray.
Crowds gathered outside Ahilyabai Holkar Government Medical College, where Pawar’s body was kept before the final journey. The funeral procession began from the Vidya Pratishthan campus, winding through the town to allow citizens to offer their homage, before concluding at the Vidya Pratishthan ground. The last rites were scheduled for 11 am, marking the end of a remarkable political chapter.
Ajit Pawar holds the distinction of being Maharashtra’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister, having held the position non-consecutively across six terms. His tenure spanned multiple governments, serving under leaders including Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde. His political journey remains a testament to his enduring influence in state politics.