Ajit Pawar laid to rest in Baramati with full state honours; wife Sunetra cries, Supriya Sule consoles [Watch]

The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were held at Baramati, with thousands of fans and followers gathered to pay their final respects to the late leader. Present at the ceremony were Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar; his father, Sharad Pawar; his cousin, Supriya Sule; and other family members.

Family members, senior political leaders, and dignitaries attended the funeral at Vidya Pratishthan grounds, which was conducted with full state honours.

The town came to a near standstill as people bid farewell to the leader fondly called "Ajit Dada." Heavy security arrangements were put in place, with large-scale police deployment to manage the massive crowds and ensure the proceedings passed peacefully.

Several photos and videos circulating on social media showed supporters lining the streets, showering petals on the vehicle and chanting slogans of "Ajit Dada Amar Rahe" as the cortege made its way to the cremation ground. In these videos, Supriya Sule was seen consoling Sunetra Pawar, standing by her side during the rituals.

Ajit Pawar's sons, Jay Pawar and Parth Pawar, remained close to their mother throughout the ceremony, offering quiet support during the most painful moments. They later lit their father's funeral pyre, visibly overcome with grief.

The funeral pyre, set up at the Vidya Pratishthan grounds, was attended by a galaxy of political leaders across the spectrum. Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid a floral wreath and paid respects to the tricolour-draped mortal remains. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were also present, visibly emotional.

Other prominent attendees included Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, BJP national president Nitin Nabin, NCP working president Praful Patel, MNS chief Raj Thackeray, and leaders from various opposition parties.

The funeral procession began earlier in the morning from Ajit Pawar's Katewadi residence. The casket, placed on a flower-decked military truck, moved slowly through Baramati streets, greeted by thousands of supporters who showered petals and shouted slogans honouring the late leader.

Following his death, the Maharashtra government declared a state holiday and announced three days of mourning, with the national flag flying at half-mast on all official buildings.

Ajit Pawar's untimely demise marks the end of an era in Maharashtra politics. A six-time Deputy Chief Minister, he was celebrated for his administrative efficiency and deep-rooted influence in the state's cooperative and agricultural sectors. His passing leaves a significant power vacuum in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and across Maharashtra's political landscape.

Take a look at the heartbreaking images from Baramati.