Nagpur Leaders Unite in Solemn Tribute to Ajit Pawar's Legacy of Discipline
In a rare display of political unity, rivals, colleagues, and civic leaders converged at Nagpur's Chitnavis Centre on Thursday for an all-party condolence meeting that evolved into a profound collective reflection on the work ethics and administrative discipline of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. The gathering, convened by former home minister and NCP (SP) leader Anil Deshmukh, underscored the remarkable cross-party respect Pawar commanded throughout his career, transcending typical political divisions.
A Gathering of Political Heavyweights and Civic Leaders
The meeting attracted an impressive array of political figures from across the spectrum. Present were Congress legislative party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, MLA Pravin Datke, MLCs Abhijit Wanjari and Sandeep Joshi, along with former MPs Vilas Muttemwar, Ajay Sancheti, and Vikas Mahatme. Former MLAs Sunil Kedar, Ashok Dhawad, Satish Chaturvedi, and Dinanath Padole joined them, alongside prominent figures Prakash Gajbhiye, Jogendra Kawade, Kiran Pandav, Satish Harde, Shekhar Sawarbande, Salil Deshmukh, and numerous other leaders and citizens. Representing the NCP (Ajit) faction, city president Anil Ahirkar and other members also attended, making the assembly truly representative of Nagpur's political landscape.
Consistent Praise for Unwavering Commitment to Public Service
Speaker after speaker returned to a common, powerful theme: Ajit Pawar's unwavering insistence that public works should never face unnecessary delays. He was remembered repeatedly as "not merely a political leader but a people's leader in the truest sense", whose exceptional clarity in decision-making and readiness to act distinguished him from his contemporaries. Multiple leaders observed that "he always insisted that the common people's work must be done without delay. That is precisely why people felt he was their own leader", characterizing his demise as "not just a political loss but a deep social loss" for the community.
Personal Recollections Highlight Administrative Excellence
Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar expressed that the news of Pawar's passing remained difficult to process emotionally. "I had the privilege to work alongside him in the cabinet and learned firsthand how to effectively get work done from the administration. This is a loss that can never truly be filled", he stated, recalling Pawar's methodical approach to handling files and his commitment to time-bound execution of projects.
Convenor Anil Deshmukh focused particularly on Pawar's legendary punctuality, recounting vivid anecdotes about how government officials often found themselves rushing to keep pace with his demanding schedule. Former MP Vilas Muttemwar emphasized that "seriousness about time is exceptionally rare in politics, but Ajit Pawar stood as a notable exception". He added, "His punctuality combined with his distinctive style of resolving issues immediately on the spot truly made him different from other leaders".
A Diamond in Politics: Firm Yet Accessible Leadership
Former MP Ajay Sancheti offered a poignant metaphor, describing Pawar as "a diamond in politics", recalling personal interactions that revealed a leader who masterfully balanced firmness with genuine accessibility. Other speakers, including Satish Chaturvedi, Sandeep Joshi, Jogendra Kawade, and INTUC's Shyam Kale, shared similar memories, all emphasizing how Pawar's strong administrative grip and consistent public engagement left an indelible imprint on Nagpur's governance.
Transcending Political Lines Through Discipline
The gathering, characterized by quiet, sincere recollections rather than political rhetoric, powerfully demonstrated how Ajit Pawar's reputation for discipline and effective delivery transcended entrenched political boundaries in a city where party affiliations typically dominate public life. The collective mourning highlighted how his professional ethos earned him respect across aisles, making this condolence meeting a significant moment of unity in Nagpur's often divided political arena.
