The political heart of Baramati beats in grief as Maharashtra bids farewell to its Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. His funeral, scheduled for Thursday with complete state honors, comes after a devastating plane crash claimed his life and those of several others.
At Vidya Pratishthan Maidan, Pawar’s mortal remains lie in state, drawing a steady stream of mourners. Party loyalists, residents, and admirers from across the region are converging, creating an emotional sea of humanity honoring the man who shaped Baramati’s development.
Top state figures including CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde will lead the ceremonies. Expectations are high for PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah’s presence, highlighting Pawar’s stature in national politics.
Maharashtra’s three-day state mourning period symbolizes the shockwave from this loss. Flags at half-mast adorn public buildings, pausing official festivities to reflect on Pawar’s enduring impact.
An Accidental Death Report has been filed by police, while the AAIB delves into the crash of VSR Ventures’ Learjet 45 (VT-SSK). On board were Pawar, PSO, flight attendant, and crew: PIC Sumit Kapoor, SIC Shambhavi Pathak, Vidit Jadhav, and Pinki Mali.
Civil Aviation details reveal a go-around before the fatal landing on Runway 11 at 8:43 AM. Disturbingly, this operator’s prior Learjet crash on September 14, 2023, at Mumbai remains unresolved, fueling demands for stricter oversight.
Pawar’s untimely demise leaves Maharashtra navigating uncharted waters. As Baramati unites in sorrow, his vision for progress and political acumen will inspire future generations, amid growing calls for aviation reforms.