Baramati Falls Silent as Ajit Pawar’s Last Rites Draw Unprecedented Outpouring of Grief

Baramati witnessed one of the most emotionally charged days in its history as lakhs of people gathered to bid farewell to Maharashtra’s late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. From the early hours of the morning until the final rites were completed, the town stood united in grief, discipline, and quiet respect for a leader who shaped its political identity for decades.

From Ancestral Home to Final Resting Place

The day began at 7 am, when Ajit Pawar’s mortal remains were brought from Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College to his ancestral residence at Katewadi. By 8.30 am, the antyayatra commenced, moving slowly through the streets of Baramati as thousands of supporters lined the route, many with folded hands and tear-filled eyes.

The procession reached Vidya Pratishthan ground at around 10.15 am, where a vast crowd had already assembled. Despite the scale of the gathering, the atmosphere remained calm and sombre. At 12.08 pm, the final rites were performed, with Pawar’s sons Parth and Jay lighting the funeral pyre amid emotional chants of “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe.”

Leaders Across Parties Pay Tribute

Ajit Pawar’s funeral saw the presence of a wide spectrum of political leadership, reflecting his influence across party lines. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Goa CM Pramod Sawant, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, and several senior ministers and national leaders attended the ceremony.

Most leaders refrained from media interactions, choosing instead to pay their respects quietly and leave without fanfare, underscoring the gravity of the moment.

Massive Crowds, Meticulous Planning

As news of the tragedy spread, Baramati experienced an extraordinary influx of people. Roads from Pune witnessed long traffic queues, while nearby cities such as Satara saw hotels and lodges filled overnight. People began arriving as early as 5 am, hoping for a final glimpse of the leader.

To manage the situation, authorities deployed over 11,000 security personnel, including teams from Pune city, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune rural, Thane, Kolhapur, Satara, and the State Reserve Police Force. Dedicated traffic plans and crowd-control measures ensured smooth movement throughout the day.

Large digital screens were installed at multiple locations inside and outside the venue, allowing mourners to follow the final rites despite limited visibility.

A Town’s Discipline as a Tribute

What stood out most was the restraint shown by Baramati’s residents. Despite lakhs assembling at the ground, there was no chaos or disorder. Apart from occasional slogans, the crowd remained largely silent — a reflection of Ajit Pawar’s own reputation as a leader who valued discipline and control.

Family’s Quiet Strength

Senior NCP leader Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s uncle, remained seated through the rites, silent and composed. Pawar’s wife Sunetra, his brother Shriniwas, sisters, and extended family members paid their respects privately. Supriya Sule stood beside the family, offering silent support throughout the ceremony.

As the pyre cooled and the crowds slowly dispersed, Baramati returned to stillness — not empty, but heavy with remembrance. The farewell was not loud or dramatic, but marked by dignity, restraint, and collective grief for a leader deeply woven into the town’s identity.