Baramati MP Supriya Sule has officially announced the final rites for her cousin and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, which will be conducted at the sports ground of Vidya Pratisthan in Baramati. The ceremony is scheduled to commence around 11 am on Thursday, marking a solemn occasion for the state's political fraternity and the local community.
High-Profile Attendance Expected at Funeral
A senior police officer has confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be present to pay their respects. Additionally, all state ministers and MLAs are anticipated to attend, underscoring the significant impact of Ajit Pawar's sudden demise on Maharashtra's political landscape.
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday morning when a private jet carrying Ajit Pawar crashed near the Baramati airstrip, approximately 100 kilometers from Pune. The accident, which took place at 8:44 am, resulted in the loss of five lives, including two pilots, a flight attendant, and a personal security officer alongside the deputy chief minister.
Last Respects and Procession Details
Following the crash, Ajit Pawar's mortal remains were initially taken to Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Hospital in Baramati for formalities. They were later moved to Vidya Pratisthan, where family members and prominent politicians gathered to offer their condolences. Among those present were Ajit Pawar's sons Parth and Jay, Supriya Sule, Yugendra Pawar, Rohit Pawar, former Union minister Praful Patel, state minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Babasaheb Patil, and Neelam Gorhe.
On Wednesday night, the remains were returned to the hospital. Officials have outlined that a small procession will be organized on Thursday morning, with the mortal remains expected to reach the sports ground by 10 am, preceding the funeral rites.
Political Leaders and Public Mourning
Earlier on Wednesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde visited the hospital to console Ajit Pawar's grieving family members. The afternoon saw an emotional gathering of around 10,000 people outside the hospital, who raised slogans such as "ekach wada Ajitdada, amar rahe amar rahe, Ajitdada amar rahe", reflecting the deep connection and admiration the community held for him.
Personal Tributes from Locals
Sandhya Kale, a resident of Baramati, shared heartfelt memories with TOI, stating, "Ajitdada was close to my family. He visited my home on a few occasions and resolved all our problems, including my daughter's school admission." This sentiment highlights his grassroots engagement and personal touch in addressing constituents' issues.
Driver's Emotional Account
Ajit Pawar's personal driver, Shyamrao Narayan Manave (71) from Baner, recounted their long-standing association since 1999. He mentioned, "We were in the Mumbai house. Dada woke up around 6 am and called me and the other driver. He asked me to come to Pune where he was supposed to address some rallies in Baramati. He left home around 7:30 am." Manave praised Ajit Pawar as a man of his word, recalling how he attended his son's wedding in Satara in 2013 and visited his home in Baner. Overwhelmed with grief, Manave added, "After learning about the crash on Wednesday morning, I immediately drove to Baramati. I lost a piece of my heart today."
Enhanced Security Arrangements
In preparation for the funeral, the Pune rural police have mobilized additional manpower from Solapur, Pune city, and Satara police stations to ensure comprehensive bandobast on Thursday. This measure aims to manage the expected large turnout and maintain order during the solemn event.
