Baramati is preparing for the final rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, which will be held today, January 29, 2026. The ceremony is scheduled to commence at 11:00 am at the Vidya Pratishthan Grounds in Baramati, a location of great significance to Pawar's political career and long history of public service. Pawar's mortal remains were brought to Vidya Pratishthan on Wednesday evening amidst a flood of emotions, as grief-stricken NCP workers and local residents hailed the late leader.

Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash near Baramati Airport minutes after taking off from Mumbai on January 28, 2026. The chartered aircraft crashed during a landing attempt. All five people on board, including Pawar, two pilots, and security personnel, died in the crash. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

The Maharashtra government has announced that Pawar's last rites will be performed with full state honors. The state has declared three days of mourning, during which flags will be flown at half-mast and public entertainment events will be cancelled.

Senior political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, are expected to attend the funeral. Leaders across the political spectrum and people from all walks of life will also be in attendance.

The news of Ajit Pawar's death has sent shockwaves across the state and the nation. Political leaders, party workers, and well-wishers have expressed their shock and grief over his sudden demise. Crowds have thronged to Baramati to pay their last respects to the NCP leader. Roads in Baramati were filled with mourners on Wednesday evening as people gathered to pay their respects.

A final photograph of Ajit Pawar, taken just before he boarded the aircraft, has gone viral on social media. The image shows Pawar calm and composed before what was supposed to be a routine political engagement. Supporters and party workers have described the photograph as haunting.

Ajit Pawar had a long political career marked by drama and rebellions. He was a strong leader who held the NCP together. His death is an unfathomable shock to many. He was sensitive to the needs of the poor and helped many people.

The Baramati airstrip, where the plane crash occurred, is used for flight training and lacks navigational aids, despite VIP traffic.