Is tomorrow a holiday in Maharashtra? Latest update on schools and office closures following Ajit Pawar’s death

Maharashtra has come to a standstill following the sudden and tragic passing of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. In response to the tragedy, the state government has declared a three-day period of official mourning.

Following the news of the fatal plane crash on Wednesday morning, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared an immediate public holiday. All schools were directed to remain closed on Wednesday as a sign of respect for the late leader. There will be no school holiday on Thursday and Friday, and all educational institutions will operate normally on both days.

The Chief Minister expressed the gravity of the situation, describing Pawar's death as an "unprecedented loss" for the state.

Details of the Fatal Crash

The incident occurred at approximately 8:45 AM when a Learjet 45, operated by VSR Aviation, crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft was on its second approach to runway 11 when it veered off course, crashed, and was consumed by flames. There were no survivors.

The victims of the crash include

• Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister
• Sumit Kapoor, Pilot
• Shambhavi Pathak, Co-pilot
• Pinky Mali, Flight Attendant
• HC Vidhit Jadhav, Personal Security Officer

The news has sent shockwaves through the Indian political landscape. Both President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended their deepest condolences to the Pawar family and the people of Maharashtra.

Chief Minister Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde canceled all scheduled engagements to travel immediately to Baramati. While the state grieves, the DGCA has initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the technical failure or accident.

[With TOI inputs]