Ajit Pawar Funeral: Maharashtra Bids Emotional Farewell to Deputy CM Amid Tributes and State Honors
In a somber day for Maharashtra politics, the final rites of Ajit Pawar, the state’s Deputy Chief Minister and a towering figure in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), were performed today, January 29, 2026, in Baramati. The ceremony, held with full state honors at Vidya Pratishthan College ground, drew thousands of mourners, including top political leaders from across the spectrum. Pawar, who tragically lost his life in an aircraft crash just a day earlier, leaves behind a complex legacy of ambition, development work, and family rivalries that have shaped Indian regional politics for decades.
As someone who’s followed Indian politics closely, it’s hard not to reflect on how Pawar’s journey mirrored the ups and downs of Maharashtra’s turbulent political landscape. From his early days as a water resources champion to his bold splits within the NCP, he was a leader who knew how to navigate power corridors. Today, as the nation watches, his passing raises questions about the future of the NCP and the state’s ruling coalition.
The Tragic Aircraft Crash: What Led to Ajit Pawar’s Untimely Death
Ajit Pawar, aged 66, met his end on January 28, 2026, when his private aircraft crashed during a second landing attempt at Baramati airstrip in Pune district. According to initial reports from aviation authorities, poor visibility due to foggy conditions played a critical role. The pilot had attempted a go-around after the first failed landing, but the plane ultimately plummeted, resulting in fatal injuries for Pawar and possibly others on board (investigations are ongoing).
Baramati airstrip, primarily used for flight training, has come under scrutiny for lacking advanced navigational aids and a dedicated meteorologist—issues that experts say could have prevented the accident. This isn’t the first aviation mishap in India raising safety concerns; just last year, the Air India crash in Ahmedabad claimed 241 lives, prompting calls for stricter regulations. For more on the crash details, check out The Hindu’s in-depth coverage, which highlights the airstrip’s VIP traffic despite its limitations.
In a year already marked by extreme weather events—like the Winter Storm Fern gripping the US and Canada—this incident underscores how climate-related factors, such as fog and poor visibility, are increasingly intersecting with transportation safety. If you’re interested in global weather impacts, our recent piece on Storm Chandra in the UK offers similar insights.
Ajit Pawar’s Political Legacy: From Irrigation Reforms to NCP Power Struggles
Born in 1959 in Baramati, Ajit Pawar was the nephew of NCP founder Sharad Pawar, a relationship that both propelled and complicated his career. He entered politics in the 1990s, quickly rising through the ranks due to his focus on rural development, particularly irrigation projects that transformed Maharashtra’s agriculture sector. Often called the “water man” of the state, Pawar’s initiatives helped combat droughts and boosted farmer livelihoods, earning him a loyal base in Pune and beyond.
However, his career wasn’t without controversy. In 2019 and again in 2023, Pawar orchestrated high-profile splits within the NCP, aligning with the BJP-led coalition to become Deputy Chief Minister under Devendra Fadnavis. This move strained family ties with Sharad Pawar but solidified his position in Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance. As Deputy CM, he oversaw key portfolios like finance and planning, influencing the state’s economy amid India’s broader growth story.
Pawar’s death comes at a pivotal time, with Maharashtra assembly elections looming in late 2026. Analysts predict a potential realignment in the NCP, where his faction might face challenges without his charismatic leadership. For a deeper dive into his career, BBC News provides an excellent overview of his role in Indian politics, while NDTV’s timeline traces his key milestones.
Tributes Pour In: Leaders Across Parties Honor Pawar’s Contributions
The funeral saw an outpouring of grief and respect, with prominent figures attending to pay their last respects. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President Nitin Gadkari (noted as Nitin Nabin in some reports—likely a typo), Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde were among the key attendees, reflecting Pawar’s cross-party influence. Family members, including his wife Sunetra and sons Parth and Jay, led the proceedings, supported by thousands of supporters who gathered despite the emotional weight of the day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a statement, called Pawar a “dedicated public servant whose work in water management will be remembered for generations.” Opposition leaders, including those from the Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, also extended condolences, highlighting his bipartisan appeal. As one mourner shared with reporters, “Dada (as he was affectionately known) was more than a politician—he was a problem-solver for the common man.”
This unity in mourning echoes similar tributes seen in global politics, like those for other leaders lost unexpectedly. For context, read about recent international reactions in The New York Times’ coverage of political figures.
What Lies Ahead: Political Vacuum and Maharashtra’s Future
Ajit Pawar’s sudden departure creates a void in the NCP and the Mahayuti government. Speculation is rife about who might step into his shoes—perhaps a family member or a close aide—to maintain the faction’s strength. With elections on the horizon, this could shift voter dynamics in key regions like Pune, where Pawar’s irrigation legacy still resonates.
On a broader note, the incident has reignited debates on aviation safety for VIPs in India. Calls for upgrading regional airstrips are growing, tying into larger infrastructure discussions under the Modi government’s agenda.
In closing, Ajit Pawar’s life was a testament to resilience in politics. As Maharashtra moves forward, his contributions to development and governance will endure. Stay tuned to World Nation Wire for more updates on Indian politics and global news. If you’re following tech security amid political shifts, don’t miss our piece on the 2026 Gmail Passwords Leak.
Last updated: January 29, 2026, 12:30 PM IST. Sources include official NCP statements and eyewitness accounts.
READ MORE ON ” X“
Robert Jenrick Defection: Inside the 24-Hour Conservative Party Crisis