Mumbai: Baramati witnessed an overwhelming surge of emotion on Thursday as Maharashtra gathered to bid farewell to Deputy Chief Minister and senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar. From the early hours of the morning, the town turned into a sea of mourners as his final procession began from his residence in Katewadi and moved towards the Vidya Pratishthan campus, where the last rites were scheduled with full state honours.
The streets of Baramati echoed with chants and silent prayers as thousands of people stood shoulder to shoulder along the procession route. Many residents walked behind the hearse, visibly emotional, reflecting the deep personal connection Ajit Pawar shared with the people of the region he represented for decades. For many, the moment marked not just the loss of a political leader, but the departure of a familiar and trusted figure in their daily lives.
Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar and his sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, accompanied the procession, maintaining a dignified presence amid the overwhelming public sorrow. Other members of the Pawar family, including nephew Rohit Pawar, were also part of the cortege. The atmosphere throughout the town remained heavy with grief, as Baramati experienced one of the largest funeral gatherings in its history.
The final rites were scheduled for 11 am at the Vidya Pratishthan grounds, with full state protocol in place. Senior leaders from across the political spectrum were expected to attend, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, underlining Ajit Pawar’s stature in national and state politics.
Given the massive turnout, security arrangements were significantly tightened. Police forces were deployed in large numbers along the procession route and at the cremation venue. Barricades, traffic diversions and crowd-control measures were implemented to ensure smooth movement and prevent any untoward incidents. Senior officials confirmed that the focus remained on maintaining order while allowing the public to pay their respects peacefully.
Ajit Pawar passed away on Wednesday following a tragic aviation incident near Baramati while returning to the town. The incident also claimed the lives of other occupants on board the aircraft. The loss has cast a shadow of mourning across Maharashtra, with the state government announcing three days of official mourning in his honour.
As Baramati stood still in grief, the massive turnout served as a testament to Ajit Pawar’s enduring influence and the emotional bond he shared with the people of Maharashtra.
