WATCH: Baramati Mourns as Ajit Pawar Laid to Rest by Sons Amid State Honours

Baramati: Baramati witnessed an emotional farewell on Thursday as Parth and Jay Pawar, sons of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, performed the final rites of their father at the Vidya Pratishthan Grounds. The 66-year-old leader, fondly called ‘Ajit Dada,’ passed away on Wednesday morning following a tragic plane crash at Baramati Airport.

The funeral was conducted with full state honours, including a 21-gun salute, reflecting Pawar’s towering presence in Maharashtra politics. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, and other family members were present throughout the ceremony, sharing the grief of thousands of supporters who gathered from across the state to pay tribute. Baramati, the political stronghold of Pawar’s four-decade-long career, came to a standstill as citizens, party workers, and well-wishers lined the streets to accompany their leader one last time.

The ceremony attracted prominent political figures from both the state and central governments. Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid a floral wreath and offered his condolences, while Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid their respects. Actor Riteish Deshmukh was among the dignitaries present, highlighting the wide reach of Pawar’s influence beyond politics.