Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday announced a state-wide public holiday and three days of mourning following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash earlier in the day.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Fadnavis said the decision regarding Pawar’s last rites would be taken after consultations with his family. “Today, we have declared a state holiday and announced three days of state mourning. This is an irreparable loss for the entire state of Maharashtra,” the Chief Minister said.
Expressing deep grief, Fadnavis said a wave of sorrow had spread across the state. He remembered Ajit Pawar as a hardworking and steadfast leader who made significant contributions to Maharashtra’s development.
Calling the incident a personal loss, Fadnavis said, “Ajit Dada was a dedicated leader who never wavered under any circumstances. It is a very difficult day for Maharashtra. Such leadership takes years to build. His demise is shocking, and for me, it is the loss of a close friend and a huge loss for his family.”
The Chief Minister further said that he and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde would leave for Baramati shortly. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have spoken to me and expressed their condolences. I have also spoken to Supriya Sule and Parth Pawar. Once we reach Baramati, we will discuss the funeral arrangements with the family and take a final decision,” he added.
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