Maharashtra Declares Three-Day State Mourning After Demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

Mumbai, Jan 2026 : The Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced a three-day period of state mourning following the tragic demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. The state government said his last rites will be performed with full state honours on Thursday at 11 a.m., marking a solemn farewell to one of Maharashtra’s most influential political leaders.

As part of the mourning protocol, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings across the state where it is customarily hoisted. In addition, all government-sponsored entertainment programmes have been cancelled during the mourning period as a mark of respect. The government also declared that all state government offices would remain closed on Wednesday in observance of the tragedy.

Senior national leaders are expected to attend the cremation ceremony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be present to pay their final respects, underlining the national significance of Ajit Pawar’s political stature and his contribution to public life.

The sudden loss of the Deputy Chief Minister has triggered an outpouring of grief across party lines, with leaders from different political formations remembering him as a disciplined administrator, a decisive leader, and a deeply committed public servant.

Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar described the incident as “extremely painful and shocking,” stating that the state had lost an experienced, dedicated, and resolute leader. He noted that Ajit Pawar’s firm grip on administration, his clarity in decision-making, and his relentless drive for Maharashtra’s all-round development had left a lasting imprint on the state’s politics. Shelar highlighted Pawar’s personal traits, describing steadfastness, discipline, punctuality, and tireless work ethic as defining aspects of his personality. Extending condolences to the Pawar family and Nationalist Congress Party workers, he prayed for strength for them in this moment of profound grief and paid heartfelt tribute to the departed leader.

Congress leader and former Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde recalled his long association with Ajit Pawar, describing the news as deeply distressing. He said Pawar had worked closely with him for nearly two decades and had been a member of his Council of Ministers when he was Chief Minister. Shinde remembered Pawar as a gentle, approachable, and helpful colleague who carried out every responsibility entrusted to him with sincerity and depth. He emphasized that Pawar’s work for the poor, farmers, and cooperative sector would always be remembered, calling his death an irreparable loss to Maharashtra’s political life.

Union Minister and Shiv Sena MP from Buldhana, Prataprao Jadhav, also expressed deep sorrow, recalling that he had known Ajit Pawar since 1990. He described Pawar as straightforward, hardworking, and highly disciplined, particularly when it came to valuing time. Jadhav noted that Pawar never hesitated to speak frankly and worked beyond party considerations for the larger public good. Calling the incident a massive tragedy for Maharashtra, he said the shock had shaken everyone across the political spectrum.

Congress MP Digvijaya Singh, while condoling Pawar’s death, raised concerns over aviation safety and called for a thorough investigation into the crash. Referring to preliminary information about a previous accident involving an aircraft from the same company, he urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to conduct a comprehensive probe. He questioned maintenance practices and sought accountability to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

AICC Telangana in-charge Manikrao Thakre described Ajit Pawar’s sudden passing as a great loss not only to his party but to the entire people of Maharashtra. He said a pall of sadness had descended over the state, reflecting the widespread grief felt by citizens and political colleagues alike.

As Maharashtra prepares to bid farewell to Ajit Pawar with full state honours, the state remains united in mourning the loss of a leader whose political journey, administrative acumen, and public service left an indelible mark on its history.