The Government of Maharashtra has declared a public holiday across the state today, Wednesday, January 28following the tragic death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash. The government has also announced a three-day state mourning period.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has cancelled all his scheduled programmes for the day. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has also called off his engagements. Both leaders are scheduled to leave for Baramati shortly to pay their respects and stand with the bereaved family.

As part of the state mourning protocol, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings where it is customarily hoisted. The mourning period will be observed for three daysduring which no official entertainment or celebratory programmes will be organised by the state government.

All state government offices will remain closed todayin line with the public holiday declaration. However, essential servicesincluding hospitals, emergency services, police, fire services, public utilities, and public transport, will continue to function as usual to ensure there is no disruption to daily life.

The tragic incident has cast a pall of grief over Maharashtra, with the state government suspending routine administrative activity for the day as a mark of respect to the departed leader and others who lost their lives in the accident.