Baramati: Ajit Pawar cremated; sons perform last rites

Maharashtra bid a tearful farewell to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, whose last rites were performed in Baramati today. His sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, lit the funeral pyre amid chants, floral tributes and a sea of mourners.

🔴 A solemn ceremony with national presence

The state funeral was conducted with full protocol:

Ajit Pawar was given a gun salute by the Maharashtra Police.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the ceremony.

BJP National President J.P. Nadda was also present.

Chief Minister of Goa, and ministers from Andhra Pradesh reached Baramati to pay their respects.

Senior leaders, MPs, MLAs and thousands of supporters gathered at the cremation ground.

The atmosphere turned emotional as crowds chanted slogans in Pawar's honour.

🕯️ Sons express gratitude

19 minutes ago, both sons addressed the people:

They thanked supporters for the love and strength shown to their family.

“We are grateful for standing with us in this difficult time,” they said.

Earlier, they performed the mukhagni (last fire), marking the final ritual.

🛩️ End of a tragedy that shook Maharashtra

Ajit Pawar passed away after his aircraft crashed during landing at Baramati airport yesterday. The impact caused a major fire, killing him and three others onboard. The incident has triggered a high-level investigation.

The state is observing three days of mourning, and flags are being flown at half-mast across government buildings.

📌 What happens next

A detailed probe report is expected in the coming weeks.

Political reactions and condolence messages continue to pour in.

The Pawar family will remain in Baramati to receive visitors throughout the day.