The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Ajit Pawar were brought to Baramati on Wednesday evening, drawing an outpouring of grief from party workers and local residents who gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects.
As the flower-decked vehicle carrying Pawar’s body reached the Vidya Pratishtan campus, an educational institution founded by the Pawar family emotional scenes unfolded.
Supporters raised slogans such as “Ajit Dada amar rahe” and “Ajit Dada parat ya” (Long live Ajit Dada; Ajit Dada, come back), echoing across his political stronghold.
Pawar (66) and four others were killed on Wednesday morning when a chartered Learjet aircraft crashed near the tabletop runway at Baramati airport, barely 200 metres from its edge. The aircraft had taken off from Mumbai and was attempting a second landing approach when the tragedy occurred.
The sudden demise of the veteran leader has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra’s political landscape, leaving a vacuum in the BJP-led ruling coalition and casting uncertainty over the future of the NCP, which he headed.
Pawar's body identified through his wristwatch
According to eyewitnesses, Pawar’s body was identified at the crash site by his wristwatch
A video circulating on social media showed the wristwatch on a charred body at the site.
Those killed in the crash included Captain Sumit Kapoor, who had over 15,000 flying hours; co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak with 1,500 hours of experience; personal security officer Vidip Jadhav; and flight attendant Pinky Mali.
The last rites will be performed with full state honours at the Vidya Pratishtan grounds on Thursday. The funeral procession will begin at 9 am, followed by cremation at 11 am.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, senior leaders from across the political spectrum, and thousands of citizens from across Maharashtra are expected to attend the funeral.
