Ajit Pawar Plane Crash: The state of Maharashtra is in a state of mourning following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati at 66 years age, a seasoned NCP leader with a long political career and a track record of helping to develop the state, died on January 28, 2026. The Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared state mourning from January 28 to 30, 2026, and January 29 as a holiday.
What is Closed Tomorrow, January 29 in Maharashtra
Several services and institutions will remain suspended in respect to the state mourning:
- Government offices and administrative departments will remain shut.
- Public sector undertakings (PSUs) will not operate.
- Schools, colleges and universities in Mumbai, Pune and Baramati, will remain closed and some exams have been postponed.
- State-sponsored cultural programs, ceremonies and public events are cancelled.
- Political rallies, meetings and campaigns are voluntarily suspended.
- Certain areas including Baramati and parts of Pune, observed a spontaneous bandh as a mark of respect.
What is Open Tomorrow, January 29 in Maharashtra
Essential services and critical infrastructure will continue to operate to ensure public safety and daily needs:
- Hospitals, ambulance services, fire brigades and police departments will remain fully functional.
- Public transport including Mumbai local trains, BEST buses and MSRTC (ST) buses will run, although some routes may have reduced frequency.
- Commercial banks, ATMs and stock markets will operate as usual.
- Local markets, grocery stores and milk booths will remain open to supply essentials.
- Private corporations, IT hubs in Pune and Hinjewadi and other offices have advised work-from-home arrangements to allow staff to observe mourning.
Are Schools Closed Tomorrow (January 29) in Maharashtra?
All schools in Mumbai including government, aided and private institutions will remain closed on January 29 while Colleges and universities have also suspended academic activities for the day. Most examinations, internal assessments and campus events have been paused, and online classes are generally not scheduled during the mourning period where parents and students are advised to confirm with individual institutions for final updates.
What Happened in the Plane Crash
- Occurred near Baramati airport on January 28, 2026.
- Aircraft involved was a chartered plane carrying Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.
- All on board perished, including Ajit Pawar and four others.
- Crash visuals showed wreckage scattered across the runway, thick smoke, and fire.
- Victims included two pilots, a flight attendant, and a personal security officer.
- The DGCA has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
State Mourning After Ajit Pawar’s Death
The Maharashtra government announced a three-day state mourning period in honour of Ajit Pawar. During this time:
- All government offices remain closed.
- National flags fly at half-mast across the state.
- Public entertainment, cultural, and political events are suspended.
- Funeral arrangements are being coordinated in consultation with Pawar’s family, including his cousin Supriya Sule, wife Sunetra Pawar, and sons Jay and Parth Pawar.
- Thousands of citizens have gathered at hospitals and public spaces to pay respects, reflecting the widespread grief and impact of his passing.
Ajit Pawar Funeral Date
Ajit Pawar’s last rites will be held on 29 January 2026 as following his tragic death in a plane crash near Baramati where the Maharashtra government has announced a state funeral in his honour. The day has been marked for official ceremonies and public tributes across the state.
Ajit Pawar Funeral Time
The funeral will take place at 11:00 am at the Vidya Pratishthan Grounds, Baramati and his mortal remains will be kept there earlier for public darshan, allowing supporters and leaders to pay their final respects.
