Maharashtra in Mourning: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Killed in Plane Crash; State to Accord Full Honours at Funeral
Maharashtra in Mourning: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Killed in Plane Crash; State to Accord Full Honours at Funeral
Maharashtra plunged into deep mourning after Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others were killed in a tragic aircraft crash in Pune district on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred when the chartered aircraft carrying Pawar from Mumbai to Baramati crashed shortly before landing.
According to officials, the aircraft took off from Mumbai at 8:10 a.m. and disappeared from radar around 8:45 a.m. before crashing at approximately 8:50 a.m. All five persons on board, including the Deputy Chief Minister, lost their lives in the accident.
Ajit Pawar was travelling to Baramati to address public meetings as part of the campaign for the February 5 Zilla Parishad elections when the tragic incident occurred.
Funeral and Last Rites
On Thursday, January 29, Pawar’s mortal remains will be taken to Katewadi, his residence, at 7 a.m., where people will be allowed to pay their last respects for an hour. The body will then be brought to Baramati, where the antyayatra will proceed from Ga Di Ma Pratishthan to Vidya Pratishthan.
At 10 a.m., the mortal remains will be kept at Vidya Pratishthan for public homage. The last rites will be performed at 11 a.m. with full State honours.
Leaders to Attend
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP National President Nitin Nabin are expected to attend the funeral. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Cabinet Ministers, and senior political leaders across party lines will also be present.
Investigation Underway
A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has reached the crash site to conduct a detailed forensic investigation into the accident involving the VSR Venture’s Learjet 45 aircraft. Authorities have stated that all aspects, including technical and operational factors, are being examined.
A Leader Remembered
Ajit Pawar, widely known as “Ajit Dada”, was one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures. His sudden demise has left a profound void in state politics, with condolences pouring in from across the country. Baramati, his political stronghold, witnessed an outpouring of grief as thousands gathered to pay tribute to their leader.