Baramati Cooperative Union and Malegaon Building Renamed to Honor Late Ajit Pawar
In a significant tribute to the late Ajit Pawar, two important institutions in Maharashtra have been officially renamed in his honor. The Baramati Taluka Cooperative Purchase and Sale Union and a building under the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat have received new names that commemorate Pawar's enduring legacy in the region's cooperative movement and overall development.
Unanimous Decisions by Governing Bodies
Officials confirmed that the renaming decisions were made during separate meetings of the respective governing bodies, with both resolutions passing unanimously. The Baramati Taluka Cooperative Purchase and Sale Union will now be known as the Ajitdada Pawar Baramati Taluka Cooperative Purchase and Sale Union, while the Malegaon Nagar Panchayat building has been similarly renamed to reflect Pawar's contributions.
A senior official from the cooperative union explained the rationale behind the decision: "Ajit Pawar was deeply associated with the cooperative movement in Baramati for many years. His visionary initiatives helped modernize our institutions and ensured that farmers received timely support and fair returns for their produce."
Transforming Baramati into a Cooperative Model
Ajit Pawar's efforts in the cooperative sector were instrumental in transforming Baramati into what officials describe as a model region for cooperative-led rural growth in western Maharashtra. His work extended beyond agricultural cooperatives to encompass broader rural development initiatives that improved livelihoods across the district.
The Malegaon Nagar Panchayat resolution specifically highlighted Pawar's contributions to urban infrastructure development, civic administration improvements, and coordinated development planning in the region. Officials noted that his involvement ensured better integration between cooperative initiatives and local government programs, creating more effective development outcomes.
A Commemorative Gesture, Not Political Move
Supporters and officials emphasized that the renaming represents a commemorative gesture reflecting collective sentiment rather than a political maneuver. The decisions emerged from the genuine appreciation of members and local bodies who witnessed Pawar's decades of service to the region.
One official stated: "This renaming honors Ajitdada's lifelong commitment to cooperative principles and regional development. It's about recognizing his work that transcended political boundaries and benefited communities across western Maharashtra."
Final Phone Call Reveals Inclusive Leadership Approach
In related developments, NCP workers recently released what they describe as one of Ajit Pawar's final phone conversations, recorded just minutes before his tragic aircraft crash in Baramati on January 28. According to party functionaries, Pawar called Shrijeet Patil, a party worker and distant relative, approximately ten minutes before the accident.
The recording purportedly captures Pawar explaining his candidate selection process for zilla parishad elections, specifically detailing how he ensured representation for all communities. Shrijeet Pawar commented on the recording: "The call reflects Ajitdada's inclusive approach and his fundamental belief in taking every community along in the political process."
Shrijeet Pawar added that he had messaged Ajit Pawar regarding certain candidate selections, prompting the late leader to return his call. "He called back to explain his decision-making process, demonstrating his commitment to transparency and community representation," he noted, emphasizing that this conversation occurred just minutes before the tragic crash.
The dual renaming ceremonies and the release of the final phone conversation collectively paint a picture of a leader deeply committed to cooperative principles, inclusive politics, and regional development—a legacy now permanently memorialized through these institutional name changes.
