On January 29, 2026, hundreds of grief-stricken mourners gathered at the residence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in his native village, Katewadi, to pay their final respects. The veteran leader, aged 66, tragically lost his life when his chartered Learjet crashed near the Baramati airstrip, taking the lives of two pilots, a flight attendant, and a personal security officer, shocking the state and leaving a profound sense of loss.
The atmosphere in Katewadi was somber as residents and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers chanted slogans like "Ajit Dada Amar Rahe" and "Ajit Dada Parat Ya". Many locals reflected on Pawar's personal connections and contributions to the region, with one resident, Ganpat Thombre, recalling how the leader had personally assisted his family with medical admissions, demonstrating his commitment to the community.
- Notable dignitaries attended — including Raj Thackeray and Riteish Deshmukh, who paid their respects to the late leader.
- Full state honors — the government has announced that Pawar's last rites will be conducted with full state honors in recognition of his decades of public service.
- Public mourning observed — the procession will move from his residence to the sports ground of Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati for the final farewell.
Inside the family home, Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP, along with her sons Parth and Jay and brother Shrinivas Pawar, received condolences from visiting dignitaries. The mortal remains of Ajit Pawar were moved from Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Hospital to Katewadi early Thursday morning for a final darshan, allowing the community to pay their last respects.
The profound sorrow in Katewadi reflects the deep impact Ajit Pawar had on the local community and Maharashtra's political landscape. As tributes continue to pour in, the state honors his legacy of public service and commitment to the people, marking a significant loss for Maharashtra's political scene.
