Maharashtra Observes Three-Day Mourning Period Following Deputy CM's Tragic Demise
Educational institutions across Maharashtra remained shut on Wednesday as the state government declared a three-day period of mourning following the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a devastating plane crash. The closure affects all schools throughout the state, marking a somber period for Maharashtra's education system.
Government Announces Immediate Public Holiday
The Maharashtra government announced an immediate public holiday after Pawar's chartered aircraft crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport on Wednesday morning. All educational institutions have been ordered to remain closed from January 28 to 30 as a mark of respect to the deceased leader, whose sudden passing has left the state in profound grief.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis officially announced the three-day state mourning period, during which all government offices and educational institutions will remain closed as a tribute to Pawar's legacy. The national flag is flying at half-mast on all government buildings across Maharashtra, symbolizing the state's collective sorrow.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The 66-year-old Pawar died along with four others when his Learjet 45 crashed around 8:45 AM while traveling from Mumbai to Baramati. The victims included:
- Pilot Sumit Kapoor
- Co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak
- Flight attendant Pinky Mali
- Pawar's personal security officer HC Vidhit Jadhav
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the VSR Aviation-operated aircraft crashed during a second approach to runway 11 at Baramati Airport. The plane veered off the runway, burst into flames, and was completely destroyed on impact, leaving no survivors.
Political Leadership Responds to Tragedy
Chief Minister Fadnavis canceled all his scheduled programs and, along with fellow Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, traveled to Baramati immediately after receiving news of the incident. The Chief Minister described Pawar's death as an "unprecedented loss" for Maharashtra, highlighting the significant void left in the state's political landscape.
Pawar, nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar, was one of Maharashtra's most influential and enduring political figures. He served as the state's longest-serving deputy chief minister and built his formidable political base through the cooperative movement, wielding considerable influence particularly in the sugar belt region.
A Legacy Spanning Decades
Throughout his distinguished career spanning over three decades, Pawar held several key portfolios that shaped Maharashtra's development:
- Water Resources
- Finance
- Energy
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra's political establishment, with leaders across party lines expressing profound grief and offering condolences. The sudden nature of Pawar's passing has created a significant vacuum in state politics that will be challenging to fill.
National Condolences and Investigation
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have conveyed their heartfelt condolences to Pawar's family, recognizing his substantial contributions to Maharashtra's political and economic development. National leaders have acknowledged the magnitude of this loss for both the state and the nation.
The DGCA has launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash, with aviation experts examining all possible factors that might have contributed to this tragic accident. The investigation aims to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the crash and implement necessary safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As Maharashtra observes this period of mourning, the closure of schools and government offices serves as a tangible expression of the state's collective grief, allowing citizens to reflect on Pawar's substantial contributions to Maharashtra's political and social fabric.
