Mumbai, February 23 Prominent figures, including leading industrialists like Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, as well as political leaders from across ideologies and parties, paid heartfelt tributes to Ajit Pawar at a condolence meeting in Mumbai on Monday. Speakers described the deceased leader as a "man of action" with exceptional administrative skills.
Pawar, who served as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a record six terms and was known for having connections with people from all political backgrounds, died along with four others in a plane crash near the Baramati airport in Pune on January 28.
Notably, several speakers, while paying tribute to the veteran leader of the Nationalist Congress Party, also called for a thorough investigation into the air crash, following reports of damage to the 'black box' of the ill-fated Learjet 45 aircraft.
Among those present at the solemn event at the NSCI Dome were former Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai, Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray.
Others present included NCP working president Praful Patel, NCP (SP) working president and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule along with her husband Sadanand Sule, as well as the late leader's wife and Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar and their children, Shriniwas and Rajendra. Renowned singer Suresh Wadkar performed devotional songs.
Speakers remembered Ajitdada, as he was fondly called by supporters, for his administrative acumen and no-nonsense approach to governance. Several of them highlighted his crucial role in Maharashtra's infrastructure development and his deep connection with the cooperative sector.
They described Ajit Pawar as a "man of action" whose absence has created a void in the state's political landscape.
Ajitdada was a leader who never allowed political differences to hinder the state's development, the speakers recalled.
His discipline and commitment to the welfare of ordinary citizens, especially in the rural areas of the state, remained unmatched until his last breath, they added.
NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil said that the tragic incident of January 28 dashed Pawar's ambition to strengthen the party organization and work together for the development of Maharashtra.
Veteran actor Nana Patekar, who recalled his association with Ajit Pawar spanning 50 years, said, "If we had gathered here to celebrate Ajitdada's 75th birthday, it would have been a fitting occasion."