Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announces three-day state mourning

Mumbai: Hours after the tragic death of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar. The state government has announced a state holiday and three days of mourning.

The National Flag will be flown at half-mast during the period of State mourning, as mentioned in the government circular.

The Chief Minister said, “Today we have declared a state holiday, and three days of state mourning have also been announced. This is a completely irreparable loss for the whole state of Maharashtra.”

Mourning Ajit Pawar’s demise, Fadnavis said that there is a “wave of sorrow” across Maharashtra. He recalled Pawar as a hardworking leader and noted his contributions to the state.

Referring to the tragic incident as a personal loss, Devendra Fadnavis said, “Ajit Dada was a hardworking leader and did not shake in any circumstances. It is a difficult day for Maharashtra. It takes time to develop such leadership. He had major contribution to Maharashtra’s development. His demise is shocking, and for me, it’s a personal loss; a friend has left me. It’s a very big loss for the family.”

“Also, Eknath Shinde and I will leave for Baramati very soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and Amit Shah ji have spoken to me about this, and they both have expressed their grief over the incident. This incident has spread a wave of sorrow all across Maharashtra. His last rights will be finalised after a discussion with the family. I have spoken to Supriya Tai (Supriya Sule) and Partha Pawar. Once we reach Baramati, we will talk to the family members, and then we will decide something about his funeral,” he added.

Ajit Pawar and four other people were killed after an aircraft carrying them crash-landed in Baramati, Maharashtra, on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred when the plane was landing in the Baramati area at around 8.45 am.