Beyond the nuptial note, the duo delved into discussions on government projects and broader issues. Shinde shared insights into ongoing initiatives and paid tribute to the Master Blaster with a shawl and floral bouquet.

Sachin has been on an invitation spree, having met PM Modi, President Murmu, Rahul Gandhi, and Amit Shah earlier. The private engagement of Arjun and Sania last August was an intimate affair for family only. Sania comes from a business lineage tied to the Grevis Group.

Arjun, an all-rounder playing domestic cricket for Goa, was recently traded to Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2026. Last season saw no IPL games for him, and only one in 2024. His first-class record boasts 24 matches, 685 runs, 52 wickets, and 26 List-A wickets from 24 outings.

This meeting symbolizes Sachin’s knack for maintaining ties with leaders, while Arjun eyes IPL glory. As the wedding approaches, fans eagerly await more updates on this celebrity union and the young cricketer’s rising career.

Sunetra, who tragically lost her husband Ajit Pawar recently, posted images from the PM’s meeting, calling it a courtesy call. She also documented her discussion with Amit Shah, reinforcing her commitment in her new capacity.

Amit Shah took to X to express condolences over Ajit Pawar’s demise and the irreplaceable gap in state politics. He commended Sunetra’s dedication to realizing Ajit Pawar’s goals for people’s welfare and Maharashtra’s growth, noting her pledge would prove crucial.

The day before, Sunetra formally took charge at the state secretariat, surrounded by party colleagues including executive president Praful Patel and other ministers. She affirmed her resolve to work tirelessly for the state’s upliftment.

Sworn in on January 31 with key departments under her belt, Sunetra attended her debut cabinet session mid-week. Her poignant X post reflected deep emotion: assuming the Deputy CM role fills her with a sense of trust, responsibility, and selflessness, guided by Ajit dada’s devotion to Maharashtra’s people. Her focus remains on completing his unfinished visions and addressing the needs of farmers, women, youth, and everyday citizens.

As Maharashtra grapples with political dynamics post recent shifts, Sunetra’s swift engagements with central figures indicate robust backing and a unified approach to governance challenges ahead.

Her day begins early with a visit to Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple at 8:30 AM for blessings. She will then proceed to Dadar’s Chaityabhoomi to offer tribute to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. NCP heavyweights like Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare will join her for these ceremonies, underscoring party solidarity.

This transition follows a devastating plane crash on January 28, when Ajit Pawar was traveling to Baramati for election rallies. The runway mishap claimed five lives, including his, shocking the political fraternity. Baramati bid farewell to its leader the following day in a massive public funeral.

Sunetra Pawar now inherits key departments: Excise, Sports, and Minority Development. In her emotional address post-oath, she invoked Ajit Pawar’s mantra of service to the underprivileged, rooted in Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar ideology. Despite profound grief from his sudden death, she draws inspiration from his commitment to public welfare and struggle.

Promising relentless work towards a fairer Maharashtra, Sunetra emphasized that public faith is her greatest asset. As she steps into leadership during turbulent times, her determination to honor Ajit Pawar’s dreams of equality and development signals a new chapter of resilience and progress for the state.

Chants honoring the departed leader filled the air during the ceremony, reflecting the deep bond party members shared with Ajit Pawar. Sunetra, recently chosen to lead the NCP legislature party, brings her experience as a parliamentarian to this high-stakes position.

Earlier meetings with CM Devendra Fadnavis paved the way for this appointment. NCP’s Anil Bhaidas Patil opened up about the party’s delicate persuasion efforts, acknowledging Sunetra’s immense grief. ‘It’s nearly impossible for her to recover so soon,’ he admitted, but highlighted her suitability given the imminent local elections. Ajit Pawar’s campaign momentum now rests on her shoulders.

Sana Malik, another party legislator, lauded Sunetra’s direct engagement with cadres over recent years, making her the unanimous choice. On merger talks with Sharad Pawar’s group, Patil noted ongoing efforts by Ajit but stressed that specifics remain buried with his passing—no one else holds the full picture.

This transition arrives at a pivotal time for Maharashtra politics. Sunetra Pawar’s role could stabilize the NCP while upcoming polls test her mettle. Observers watch closely as she balances personal sorrow with public duty, potentially altering the state’s power dynamics.

BJP’s Yogendra Chandeliya pointed to public mood favoring Sunetra’s elevation, underscoring it’s purely a party call on legislative leadership. Bihar’s Mohammad Jama Khan approved of the buzz, deeming it a fitting choice. Inside NCP, Anil Bhaidas Patil revealed the party’s delicate mission to persuade a grieving Sunetra. ‘We’ve completed formalities and continue our efforts to convince her. MLAs will decide the group leader,’ he explained.

Support poured in from Shiv Sena’s Shaina NC, who congratulated the woman leader set to uphold her husband’s legacy. Contrastingly, Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) poured cold water, asserting no solid information exists beyond a handful of insiders like Amit Shah or Devendra Fadnavis. ‘The state is still mourning; nothing is clear yet,’ Raut observed.

Ambadas Danve of Shiv Sena (UBT) shrugged off the developments as internal affairs, neither faulting the party nor the government. This leadership vacuum post-Ajit Pawar tests NCP’s resilience, as allies and opponents alike watch closely. The Saturday meeting could prove decisive, potentially reshaping Maharashtra’s power dynamics with Sunetra Pawar emerging as a key player.

Activity buzzed outside Devagiri Bungalow early Saturday as loyalists paid respects. Worker Rupali Patel captured the sentiment: ‘Ajit Dada was a father figure, nurturing us grassroots activists. Sunetra Tai handled everything from the shadows. We’ve pleaded with her to lead us forward, and she’s agreed.’

Scheduled for 5 PM, Sunetra’s oath ceremony will etch her name in history as the state’s inaugural female Deputy CM. This development throws cold water on rumors of a reunion with Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction. Despite claims from Eknath Khadse that a merger was imminent after months of talks, and endorsements from Anil Deshmukh and Jayant Patil citing Ajit’s wishes, the party is doubling down on its NDA alliance.

Maharashtra’s power corridors are abuzz with implications. Will Sunetra consolidate the faction’s position, or spark fresh factional tensions? Ajit Pawar’s legacy of bold splits and alliances now rests on her shoulders. Party insiders see her quiet competence as the perfect bridge to stability, ensuring the NCP’s influence endures in the Mahayuti government.

This transition not only honors a grieving family’s resolve but redefines women’s roles in Maharashtra’s male-dominated politics, setting the stage for intense legislative sessions ahead.

Every angle of the tragedy is under scrutiny, with the case set to transfer to the state CID post-AAIB report. In Kathewadi, Pawar’s hometown, mourners have converged for the final farewell. The ceremony kicks off at the family farm, culminating in a 11 AM cremation at Baramati’s Vidya Pratisthan Ground, drawing top politicians like CM Fadnavis and Deputy CM Shinde.

Supporters and dignitaries poured in, reflecting Pawar’s enduring legacy in NCP and Maharashtra politics. The government mandated three days of state mourning, flags lowered across public edifices in tribute. The VSR-operated VT-SSK jet housed Pawar, his PSO, a cabin crew member, and pilots Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak, plus identified passengers Vidit Jadhav and Pinky Mali.

This catastrophe not only silences a key political voice but ignites urgent calls for aviation oversight reforms. As investigators delve deeper, the nation watches for answers that could prevent future heartbreaks. Pawar’s journey from local leader to deputy CM embodied resilience, and his absence reshapes the political landscape profoundly.

The crash not only ended Vidyip’s life but also that of prominent Maharashtra leader Ajit Pawar. Thousands paid homage at Vidyip’s funeral in Phaltan that same evening, reflecting on a man whose influence reached far beyond his duties.

Recounting his career, relative Ganesh Jadhav noted Vidyip’s tenure with Ajit Pawar starting in 2019, following three years guarding Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. ‘He was known statewide,’ Ganesh said. ‘Every region of Maharashtra recognized his integrity and service.’

What stood out most was Vidyip’s role in family unity. ‘He kept us all connected, looking after relatives as if they were his own blood,’ Ganesh shared emotionally. The funeral brought the harsh truth of his departure: ‘Our anchor is gone, leaving a massive void.’

The family’s sorrow runs deep, with Ganesh highlighting the unprecedented challenge ahead. Without Vidyip’s guidance, staying as one family feels impossible. As they mourn, tributes pour in for a dedicated public servant whose personal warmth matched his professional excellence.

During a candid conversation with media on Thursday, Raut questioned the lapses that claimed Pawar’s life. ‘The nation must learn about the aircraft’s deficiencies. Transparency is non-negotiable in such cases,’ he remarked.

Pawar’s stature as a towering political personality in Maharashtra was undeniable, Raut noted. ‘A beloved leader whose legacy endures, his departure marks a significant blow to the political arena. He’ll be cherished in memory.’

Referencing the Ahmedabad crash that killed ex-Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, Raut highlighted recurring aviation perils. ‘We’ve seen too many such incidents lately. A formal investigation is essential to expose irregularities and prevent repeats.’

Raut dismissed superficial responses. ‘Leaders from the PM to others will offer condolences—what then? Mere words achieve nothing. It’s time for probes and corrective measures against evident flaws.’

Over the last 10 years, multiple crashes have occurred without substantial DGCA action, he alleged. Committees were set up, yet no solid outcomes emerged. ‘This cycle of tragedy demands real accountability, not rituals,’ Raut stressed, pushing for aviation sector overhaul.

‘I lack the specific data to comment on the cause right now,’ Captain Mathur told media outlets. ‘Recovery and analysis of the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder are non-negotiable steps.’ These instruments capture pilots’ dialogues, system alerts, and flight metrics, providing investigators with an unfiltered timeline of events.

Visibility stood at approximately 3 km during the crash, per early accounts. Mathur clarified key terms: ground-level horizontal visibility differs from the slant visibility pilots use for runway approach. This distinction can make or break a landing in marginal weather.

Investigations follow a rigorous protocol – a quick preliminary report followed by a comprehensive final one detailing probable causes and preventive measures. ‘Rushing to judgments before the final report is reckless,’ the captain advised. He also expressed profound sympathy for all lives lost, including crew and VIPs aboard.

In Baramati, thousands paid homage to Ajit Pawar during his state funeral. His sons lit the funeral pyre in a poignant ceremony attended by family and dignitaries. As probe teams scour wreckage for the black boxes, the focus sharpens on aviation safety enhancements to prevent future tragedies.