Ajit Pawar Cremated with Full State Honours: 7 Union Ministers Attend Funeral

Ajit Pawar cremated with full state honours as Union Ministers and top leaders attend his funeral. Read live updates, tributes

The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, killed in a plane crash, were held with full state honours on Thursday (January 29, 2026) at Baramati in Pune district.

Union Ministers Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, former Union Minister Sharad Pawar and BJP president Nitin Nabin attended the 66-year-old Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief’s funeral at the Vidya Pratishthan ground at Baramati, around 100 km from Pune.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde were also present, along with Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra, who is a Rajya Sabha member, and sons Parth and Jay. Ajit Pawar’s cousin Supriya Sule, Lok Sabha member from Baramati, and NCP working president and former Union Minister Praful Patel were also present.

Thousands of people gathered for Ajit Pawar’s last rites chanted “Ajit Dada amar rahe“, when his mortal remains, draped in the national flag, were brought from his village Katewadi to the Vidya Pratishthan ground.

Mr. Shah, Mr. Gadkari, Mr. Nabin, Mr. Fadnavis, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, Goa CM Pramod Sawant, Eknath Shinde, former Union Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh were among the leaders who placed floral wreaths on Pawar’s mortal remains.

On Thursday morning, the mortal remains of Ajit Pawar were taken from the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Hospital in Baramati, where they were kept overnight, to his village.

Pawar and four other persons on board the aircraft were killed after it crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of the tabletop airstrip.

The others killed in the tragedy were Captain Sumit Kapoor, who had a flying experience of 15,000 hours, co-pilot Capt. Shambhavi Pathak with 1,500 hours of flying, Personal Security Officer (PSO) Vidip Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali.

Their mortal remains have been handed over to their families, hospital sources said.

Police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) case in connection with the plane crash, an official said.

The government Wednesday released a statement detailing the sequence of events that led to the crash and Ajit Pawar’s death.

The aircraft was cleared for landing after a go-around due to poor visibility, but having finally received a clearance, it did not give any read-back to the ATC, and moments later burst into flames near the edge of the airstrip.

The Civil Aviation Ministry on Thursday said the “black box” (comprising the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorde) of the Learjet aircraft has been recovered.

In a solemn ceremony marked by respect and grief, Ajit Pawar, the veteran Maharashtra politician, was cremated with full state honours today. Leaders, politicians, and citizens paid their final respects to the stalwart who had a profound influence on Maharashtra’s political landscape. The funeral was attended by 7 Union Ministers, top state leaders, and a large number of supporters, reflecting the significant legacy Pawar leaves behind.

The cremation ceremony followed strict protocol for state honours, including the ceremonial guard, flag draping, and military salutes. Ajit Pawar’s contributions to Maharashtra’s governance, development projects, and political stability were highlighted throughout the ceremony. Key dignitaries in attendance included Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and senior leaders from both state and national political parties.

The event drew widespread attention across the state, with crowds gathering to pay homage. The ceremonial proceedings emphasized respect, protocol, and the high regard in which Ajit Pawar was held, both politically and socially.

A total of 7 Union Ministers attended the funeral, showing the national importance of the event. Leaders from various political parties also expressed condolences, recognizing Pawar’s role in shaping Maharashtra’s political and social framework. Many leaders highlighted his commitment to public service and his dedication to the people of Maharashtra.

Social media and news platforms were abuzz with messages of tribute. Politicians shared their personal anecdotes and memories, reflecting on Ajit Pawar’s decades-long political career, which saw him playing pivotal roles in administration, policy-making, and state governance.

The public response was heartfelt, with thousands of citizens lining the streets to pay their respects. Supporters and colleagues alike remembered Pawar as a visionary leader and a pragmatic politician. Floral tributes and garlands adorned the ceremonial area, symbolizing the deep admiration and love the people held for him.

The funeral procession moved through major locations, allowing citizens to have a final glimpse of the leader they revered. Many expressed that Ajit Pawar’s contributions went beyond politics, citing his efforts in community development, education, and social welfare.

Ajit Pawar’s political journey spanned several decades, during which he held multiple key positions in the state and central government. His contributions to Maharashtra’s infrastructure, agriculture, education, and industrial development are widely acknowledged.

He played a crucial role in:

Strengthening state governance structures
Expanding rural and urban development projects
Advocating policies for farmers and local businesses
Mentoring younger politicians and shaping party strategy

Ajit Pawar’s leadership style, vision, and dedication left a lasting imprint on the state’s political and social landscape. The funeral ceremony underscored the respect and admiration he garnered throughout his career.

Ajit Pawar Cremated with Full State Honours: 7 Union Ministers Attend Funeral