Pune, 30 January 2026: City Observed a near-complete shutdown of markets on Thursday as traders closed their shops to pay tribute to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who passed away in airplane accident. The decision to observe the bandh was taken by the Pune Vyapari Mahasangh, and it received widespread voluntary support from traders.
Major commercial areas such as Laxmi Road, Kumthekar Road, Tilak Road, FC Road, JM Road, Mandai area, Sadashiv Peth, Bhavani Peth, Raviwar Peth and Bohri Ali remained largely shut throughout the day. Several suburban markets also saw shops closed, leading to deserted streets and significantly reduced public and vehicular movement.
The shutdown extended beyond retail stores, with bakeries, fruit and vegetable vendors, pharmacies, small industries, street vendors and hawkers also suspending business. Usually crowded market areas and commercial complexes remained unusually quiet, reflecting the strong sentiment among the trading community.
Many traders paid floral tributes to Ajit Pawar’s photographs at their establishments. The bandh, traders said, was not merely a business closure but a collective expression of respect and gratitude for his support to the trading sector over the years.
Meanwhile, IT companies in the city remained operational but with reduced physical presence. Several firms asked employees to work from home, while others limited staff attendance to essential services. As a result, IT parks also recorded lower-than-usual footfall.
Hotels across Pune remained closed during the morning hours as a mark of respect. However, some establishments resumed limited operations in the evening, citing the need to balance tribute with essential services.
Over 80 categories of traders participated in the shutdown. The trading community stated that the response reflected Ajit Pawar’s long-standing engagement with and support for their sector, and the bandh was a heartfelt way to honour his memory.
