Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis on Wednesday announced a state holiday and three days of mourning following the demise of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, in a plane crash this morning.

CM Fadanvis said that the decision on Pawar’s last rites will be made after 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.”