India, Jan. 28 -- The Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced a three-day state mourning following the death of Deputy chief minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati earlier in the day.

The Mahayuti government will also accord a state funeral to the late NCP leader.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement while addressing the media at his official residence, Varsha, expressing deep shock and grief over the sudden loss of the senior leader. As a mark of respect, the state government also declared a public holiday on Wednesday to pay tribute to Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis said.

Recalling Pawar's long public life, the chief minister said he enjoyed immense trust and affection am...