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In this news bulletin, an unidentified speaker reports on the final rites of NCP leader Ajit Pawar, noting the 'groundswell of grief' as leaders pay their final respects. The discussion focuses on the political vacuum left in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the potential for the two factions to reunite under the patriarch Sharad Pawar. The speaker highlights that 'someone from the Pawar family would be replacing Ajit Pawar' in the Baramati constituency, with Parth Pawar mentioned as a likely candidate for the upcoming by-election. The report also evaluates senior leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal and Dilip Walse Patil for ministerial roles, while suggesting Sunetra Pawar might take the party's reins. The segment concludes by analyzing whether this emotional moment will act as a catalyst for the Pawar family to bridge their political divide and consolidate leadership under Supriya Sule and Sharad Pawar.

On this India Today special report, anchor Preeti Choudhry discusses the sudden and tragic passing of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar at the age of 66. Describing the event as a 'body blow politically' for the Pawar family and Maharashtra, Choudhry reflects on the legacy of the leader often called 'Rok Thok Dada' for his blunt and straight-talking nature. The programme highlights the deep bond within the Pawar clan, noting that despite political splits, the family remained united in times of grief and celebration. The discussion, featuring analysts Manish Dhabade and Jayant Menkar, explores Ajit Pawar's administrative grip and his role as the primary inheritor of Sharad Pawar's political legacy. The report captures the emotional scenes from Baramati, where the eight-term MLA is being laid to rest, marking a significant crossroad for the NCP and the future of the Pawar brand in Indian politics.

The funeral of Vidip Jadhav, personal security officer to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, were performed at his native village Taradgaon in Satara district late on Thursday night. Jadhav was among those killed in the Baramati plane crash on Wednesday evening, along with Pawar, two pilots and a flight attendant. His mortal remains were brought to Taradgaon around 8.30 pm, and the cremation was held close to midnight with full police honours. A 2009-batch Mumbai Police constable, Jadhav was posted with the Special Protection Unit and had travelled with Pawar from Mumbai to Baramati earlier that day. His family, including his wife and two children, rushed to Baramati after the crash and identified the body following the post-mortem. Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti said the force had lost a “dedicated and dutiful soldier” and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

This special report covers the final rites of Ajit Pawar being conducted at Vidya Pratishthan in Baramati. The transcript highlights the emotional scenes as the Pawar family, including Sunetra Pawar, Parth Pawar, and Jai Pawar, pay their last respects. A significant moment is noted between Supriya Sule and Sunetra Pawar, who stood together despite their past political face-off in the Lok Sabha elections. The speaker notes, 'The family, the political divide blurred by what has been deep love within the family and that void today is filled by the outpouring of grief.' The programme reflects on Ajit Pawar's legacy as a 'mercurial leader' who transformed Baramati into a model constituency. The report details the public nature of the bereavement, with a three-day mourning period announced in the region as the community gathers to say goodbye to the leader they affectionately called 'Dada'.