The state of Maharashtra and the nation are in mourning as the last rites for Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar are conducted today, January 29, 2026, in Baramati, his political stronghold. The funeral will be held with full state honors at 11 a.m. at the Vidya Pratishtan grounds, an educational institute founded by the Pawar family.

Pawar, 66, tragically died in a plane crash near Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. The chartered aircraft he was traveling in crashed approximately 200 meters from the edge of the runway. Four other individuals on board also perished in the accident: two pilots, a flight attendant, and a personal security officer.

The news of Pawar's untimely demise has been met with widespread grief and condolences from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences to Pawar's uncle, Sharad Pawar, acknowledging Ajit Pawar's contributions to Maharashtra's governance. Senior leaders including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde are expected to attend the funeral. Leaders from various parties and states have also paid tribute.

The Maharashtra government has declared a three-day period of state mourning. A public holiday was declared on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Pawar's body was brought to Pawar Farm in Katewadi at 7 a.m. for two hours, allowing close friends and family to pay their respects. Subsequently, the body was taken to Baramati's GaDiMa auditorium for the final darshan. The 'Antim Yatra' is scheduled to begin at 9 am from the Vidya Pratishthan campus (Gadima), followed by the funeral ceremony at 11 am.

Security has been tightened around the funeral venue to manage the expected large crowds. Local authorities are working with state government teams to ensure the event proceeds smoothly and respectfully.

Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, a member of the Rajya Sabha, and two sons, Parth and Jay.

Known as 'Dada' to his supporters, Pawar was a six-time Deputy Chief Minister, respected for his administrative grip and known for his sharp tongue and instincts. He was a workhorse politician who always seemed poised for Maharashtra's top chair.

In addition to the funeral arrangements, the police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the plane crash. Further details are awaited as the investigation unfolds.