Mumbai, Feb 23 Prominent leaders, colleagues, and industrialists in Maharashtra paid tribute to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday, remembering his contribution to the state, following his death in a plane crash last month.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with leaders from various parties, expressed condolences, saying Pawar was "the best chief minister the state never had."
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde described Pawar as an "elder brother," emphasizing their close relationship.
Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray described Pawar as a "very close friend."
Ajit Pawar and four others were killed in a plane crash in Pune district on January 28.
Following the tragedy, a condolence meet was organized in Mumbai, attended by prominent figures, including Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, who remembered Pawar as a "man of action" with exceptional administrative skills.
Amid reports of damage to the 'black box' of the ill-fated Learjet 45 aircraft, several speakers called for a thorough investigation into the crash.
Among those present at the event were former Chief Justice of India Bhushan Gavai, Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, legislative speaker Rahul Narwekar, legislative council chairman Ram Shinde, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, NCP working president Praful Patel, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, her husband Sadanand Sule, late leader's wife and Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar, and their children, as well as renowned singer Suresh Wadkar.
The speakers lauded Ajit Pawar for his leadership and commitment to the state's development, despite political differences.
NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil highlighted Pawar's ambition to strengthen the party and work together for the state's development.
Veteran actor Nana Patekar, who had a long association with Pawar, said, "If we had celebrated Ajitdada's 75th birthday, it would have been wonderful."
In the state legislature, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar and other leaders expressed their grief over Pawar's death.
Fadnavis emphasized that Maharashtra had lost a towering leader and administrator.
He noted that he and Pawar shared the same birthdate, with Pawar being 11 years older.
Fadnavis said Pawar held the position of Deputy Chief Minister six times and possessed the leadership qualities to guide the state.
He described Pawar as "the best chief minister the state never had."
Referring to the plane crash, Fadnavis said, "Ajitdada was always punctual, but this time, his timing was off."
He added that Pawar was a straightforward and impulsive person.
Fadnavis also stated that the NCP was a strategic partner, but Ajit Pawar was a close friend.
In the council, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde described Pawar as a "staunch, punctual leader and a great friend," and the House as losing a disciplined member.
He likened Pawar to a "jackfruit – thorny on the outside but soft and sweet on the inside."
He noted that Pawar was quick to understand the importance or shortcomings of a scheme and was particularly strict about cleanliness and discipline in governance.
Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray described Pawar as a "very close friend."
Thackeray said he was initially suspicious of Pawar after the latter took oath with Fadnavis.
"My entire politics was earlier against Pawar's politics, but we came together. I realized, and still believe, that Pawar became a very close friend to me," he said.
Pawar was punctual, trustworthy, and efficient, Thackeray added.
Rohit Pawar struggled to control his emotions while remembering his late uncle.
"My uncle would always tell me to take care of my appearance. He would ask me to button my shirt properly and trim my hair. He would tell me to reduce my weight, and not political weight," he recalled.
Rohit Pawar added that Ajit Pawar rose from the grassroots through determination and hard work.
He also mentioned that Pawar saheb (Sharad Pawar) looked after him (Ajit) like his own son after losing his father at a very young age.
