Pune. Three days of state mourning has been declared in the state after the untimely demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar. From January 28 to 30, all government offices will remain closed and the flag will fly at half mast. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has canceled all his programs and is leaving for Baramati along with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

While talking to the media, Chief Minister Fadnavis said that Ajit Pawar was a leader who always lived among the people and was loved by everyone due to his simplicity and hard work. His demise is an irreparable loss for Maharashtra and his family. Fadnavis said, “I have lost my strong and kind-hearted friend. It is a personal loss for me. Today is a very difficult day for Maharashtra.”

He wrote on social media, “Dada is gone! This is heartbreaking. We lost a great leader for Maharashtra today. I join the grief of his entire family and the NCP family.”

Apart from Ajit Pawar, four other people also died. The state government has suspended all government work and programs during the mourning period. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister will reach Baramati and hold a meeting with the officials and family and decide further action.