Nashik NCP Unit Devastated by Ajit Pawar's Sudden Demise
The tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on Wednesday has sent shockwaves through the party's Nashik unit, leaving senior functionaries grappling with an immense leadership vacuum that they describe as nearly impossible to fill.
Decades of Political Dominance in Nashik
For many decades, Nashik district, particularly its rural regions, has stood as one of the NCP's most formidable strongholds, a status largely cultivated through Pawar's influential leadership and organizational prowess. The political trajectory of Nashik remains intricately connected to the NCP's ascension, with the district serving as a crucial anchor for the party's statewide presence.
During the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections, the NCP's strength in Nashik was evident as seven out of fifteen sitting MLAs represented rural constituencies under the party banner. Furthermore, the district boasted three cabinet ministers—Chhagan Bhujbal, Narhari Zirwal, and Manikrao Kokate—highlighting Nashik's pivotal role within the NCP's power framework. However, Kokate's resignation from the cabinet in December 2025, following a court's upholding of his conviction in a longstanding housing scam case, slightly diminished the party's ministerial representation.
Pawar's Central Role and Rural Outreach
Despite these internal dynamics, Ajit Pawar remained the central unifying figure for Nashik's political landscape. Numerous party leaders, including Narhari Zirwal and Manikrao Kokate, had openly expressed their belief that Pawar would eventually become Maharashtra's chief minister, crediting his leadership with providing the ideological cohesion and strategic direction that sustained the Nashik unit.
Pawar's bond with Nashik's rural electorate intensified after the Mahayuti alliance, which included the NCP faction, encountered significant backlash during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The distress among onion farmers, sparked by the Centre's export ban that caused wholesale prices to plummet, emerged as a major political flashpoint. Recognizing this discontent, Pawar visited Nashik two to three months after the electoral setback and publicly apologized to onion farmers from north Maharashtra at a rally. He assured them that the state government would work to prevent such export bans in the future, a move widely viewed as a crucial effort to rebuild trust amid peak rural anger.
In the subsequent state assembly elections, the NCP secured seven out of fifteen seats in rural Nashik, reaffirming the district's steadfast loyalty. The winning MLAs included Chhagan Bhujbal (Yeola), Narhari Zirwal (Dindori), Manikrao Kokate (Sinnar), Dilip Bankar (Niphad), Saroj Ahire (Deolali), Hiraman Khoskar (Igatpuri), and Nitin Pawar (Kalwan). Many of these leaders attributed their political successes to Pawar's mentorship and the organizational support he provided during critical phases.
Emotional Tributes from Senior Leaders
On Wednesday, Narhari Zirwal expressed profound grief, describing Pawar as a leader who shaped not only careers but entire lives. "In politics, many leaders come and go, but very few truly help a person stand tall. Ajitdada was that leader for me. He guided my political and social journey and stood with me in every difficult moment. For me, it feels as though the very foundation of the state has collapsed," he stated.
Former minister Manikrao Kokate remarked that Maharashtra has become "orphaned" without Pawar. "He was firm yet affectionate, a leader whose guidance and discipline shaped countless lives. His sudden departure feels like the ground has slipped from beneath us," he added.
Former MP Sameer Bhujbal characterized Ajit Pawar's passing as the most significant blow for a party worker like himself. "Dada trusted me during difficult political transitions and placed major responsibilities on my shoulders. His administrative strength, clarity, and punctuality will always inspire us," Bhujbal said, emphasizing that the state has lost an irreplaceable leader.
Economic Impact and District-Wide Mourning
The tragedy's impact extended beyond politics, affecting Nashik's economic landscape. Agricultural traders, agro dealers, and related businesses across the district observed a spontaneous shutdown until 5 PM on Wednesday, suspending operations as a mark of respect. All Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) in the district remained closed during the afternoon session, underscoring the profound mourning that permeated rural Nashik.
This widespread response highlights the deep-seated influence Ajit Pawar wielded, not just as a political figure but as a cornerstone of the community, whose absence leaves a void that resonates across both political and economic spheres in the region.
