Baramati mourns Ajit Pawar’s death, thousands gather chanting ‘Dada, Dada’
Baramati has been plunged into deep grief following the sudden death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar. The city, considered his political stronghold, witnessed an overwhelming outpouring of emotion as thousands of party workers, supporters and local residents gathered to mourn their leader.
Large crowds assembled near the Punyeshlok Ahilyabai Holkar Government Medical College, where scenes of uncontrollable sobbing and grief were reported. People from nearby villages also began arriving in large numbers, swelling the crowds across the city. Many could be heard chanting “Give us back our Dada,” reflecting shock and disbelief over the tragedy.
As a mark of respect, several shops in Baramati remained voluntarily closed. The atmosphere across the town remained tense but peaceful, with grief dominating public spaces.
To maintain law and order amid the massive gathering, heavy police deployment was carried out across Baramati. Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandeep Singh Gill confirmed that the aircraft involved in the accident had suffered extensive damage. He said the bodies of Ajit Pawar and others present at the scene were shifted to the hospital for further procedures.
Due to the severity of the crash, officials said identification of the bodies was still underway. “The condition of the bodies is extremely critical. Technical investigations and identification procedures are being conducted at the fastest possible pace,” Gill said.
Despite the emotionally charged situation, police confirmed that no incidents of law and order disturbances had been reported so far. Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation and have appealed to citizens to remain calm and cooperate with officials.
Baramati, long known for its unwavering support for Ajit Pawar, is witnessing one of the largest public expressions of grief in its history. The district administration has urged people to allow authorities to complete all necessary procedures related to the accident and identification of the victims.
VIDEO | Mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar brought to Baramati Medical College following his demise along with five others in an aircraft crash. Visuals from outside the hospital.#AjitPawar
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026
(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/6wJrUWARCn
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Ajit Pawar's funeral on Thursday; Modi, Shah likely to attend
Baramati (PTI): The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, killed in a plane crash, will be held with full state honours on Thursday in Baramati, Pune district.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to attend the funeral, which will be held at Vidya Pratishthan ground at 11 AM. Leaders cutting across the political spectrum will be present, the Nationalist Congress Party said.
The plane crash occurred in the morning shortly after Ajit Pawar and four other persons took off from Mumbai.
Besides Pawar, his Personal Security Officer, an attendant, and two crew members (pilot in command and the first officer) were also killed.
Pawar is survived by wife Sunetra, a member of the Rajya Sabha, and two sons, Parth and Jay.
The state government declared a public holiday on Wednesday and announced a three-day period of state mourning.
