Pune Markets to Shut Today to Mourn Ajit Pawar’s Death; Shops to Reopen Friday

Pune: Shops across Pune city will remain closed on Thursday, January 29, as traders observe a one-day shutdown to mourn the sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who passed away earlier on Wednesday.The Pune Traders Federation announced the closure, with president Fatehchand Ranka praising Ajit Pawar as a hardworking and decisive leader who played a pivotal role in supporting Pune’s infrastructure, economy, and trading community. Federation secretary Mahendra Pitalia confirmed that the shutdown is a mark of respect and solidarity, with traders across Pune mourning the loss of a leader known for his strong administrative skills and deep ties to the city. Shops are expected to reopen on Friday, January 30.

Pune Schools to Remain Closed Tomorrow

In line with orders from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, schools in Pune district will also remain closed on January 29 as part of the state mourning period. All government and private schools across Maharashtra have been ordered to close for three days, including Wednesday.Schools are anticipated to reopen on Saturday, January 30, though parents and students are advised to stay in contact with school authorities as some schools observe Saturdays as non-working days.The Maharashtra government has declared a three-day state mourning period to honor Ajit Pawar, who died in a tragic plane crash at Baramati airport.

Details of the Crash and Mourning

The Learjet 45 carrying Ajit Pawar crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport on Wednesday morning. The crash claimed the lives of six people in total, including Ajit Pawar, a personal security officer, an attendant, and the pilot and co-pilot.Apart from Pune, schools will remain closed in several other Maharashtra districts including Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Nagpur, Nashik, Thane, Kolhapur, Solapur, Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Ahmednagar (Ahilyanagar), Latur, Nanded, Jalgaon, Akola, Amravati, Satara, Sangli, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Palghar, Osmanabad (Dharashiv), Wardha, Washim, and Yavatmal.Ajit Pawar, aged 66, was traveling from Mumbai to Baramati when the fatal accident occurred.