Maharashtra stood still as the state bid a final, emotional farewell to Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, fondly known as “Dada,” following the tragic plane crash in Pune, Baramati. Baramati, his political stronghold and emotional home ground, witnessed one of the most significant state funerals in recent history, marked by full state honours and national-level presence. WATCH 

The sudden and tragic death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati has shaken Maharashtra and the nation. While rumours and conspiracy theories have circulated, Sharad Pawar has strongly dismissed all political narratives, calling the crash “purely accidental” and urging citizens and leaders alike to respect the family’s grief. Meanwhile, Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis condemned attempts to politicize the tragedy and highlighted Ajit Pawar’s decades of public service. WATCH