Baramati, Jan 29: Baramati has turned into a fortress of mourning as the town prepares for the last rites of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar today. The 66-year-old leader’s journey concluded following a fatal aviation accident, prompting a massive state-mandated funeral scheduled for 11 am at the Vidya Pratishthan sports ground.
Top brass from the central government, including Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari, reached the Pune district town to offer their condolences. Their presence underscores the impact Pawar had on the political landscape of Maharashtra. The atmosphere in Katewadi village was somber as the flag-draped casket was moved toward the funeral site, reflecting the deep personal connection the leader maintained with his ancestral roots.
“This is a massive loss for the state’s administrative machinery and the people of Pune district,” a local representative noted while coordinating with the visiting delegations.
The procession began early Thursday morning when Pawar’s remains were moved from the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Hospital. After the brief visit to his village for local tributes, the convoy returned to Baramati for the formal state ceremony. Public figures from across the political spectrum are expected to remain in attendance until the conclusion of the rituals this afternoon.
