Marathwada NCP Leaders Overwhelmed with Grief After Ajit Pawar's Demise
In a deeply emotional display of sorrow, several prominent Nationalist Congress Party politicians from Maharashtra's Marathwada region could not contain their tears following the tragic death of their party chief, Ajit Pawar, on Wednesday. The news has sent shockwaves through political circles across the state, with leaders from various parties joining in mourning the loss of a towering political figure.
Personal Bonds and Political Mentorship
Parli MLA Dhananjay Munde expressed his profound personal loss, stating that he has become an "orphan" once again. "After my father passed away, Dada (Ajit Pawar) never let me feel, even for a moment, that I didn't have a father," Munde revealed through choked emotions. "The bond between us was something that cannot be put into words." In a heartfelt social media tribute, Munde described Pawar as a visionary leader who went to sleep dreaming of Maharashtra's development and woke up at dawn to begin working toward those dreams.
MLC Satish Chavan broke down while reacting to the tragic news, sobbing as he declared, "I lost my god today." Chavan credited Pawar with bringing him into politics when he was a complete nobody in the political arena, expressing disbelief that this day had arrived.
Cross-Party Tributes and Recognition
Former cabinet minister and NCP (SP) politician Rajesh Tope shared that he was among the few who learned about the plane crash through an employee at Baramati airport. Tope highlighted Pawar's exceptional qualities, noting his unmatched punctuality and remarkable execution of works. "He was straightforward and always walked the talk," Tope emphasized, underscoring the late leader's reputation for integrity and action.
In a remarkable show of cross-party respect, State Environment Minister and senior BJP politician Pankaja Munde declared that Pawar's death has left her soul shattered. Addressing the deceased NCP chief directly, she praised his "incredibly sharp" political and academic sense, noting how his speeches combined witty humor with clear communication that made many laugh. "Today, your departure has made the workers cry," she lamented. "There will not be a leader with such experience anymore."
A Legacy Forged Through Decades
Former leader of opposition and Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Ambadas Danve reflected on Pawar's extensive political journey, noting that his leadership was forged by four decades of relentless hard work. Danve described him as "a towering leader who gave words their true meaning" with an excellent grip on administration and deep connection to the people.
"Maharashtra has lost such a leader today," Danve stated solemnly. "This is not just the Pawar family's loss, but entire Maharashtra's." This sentiment echoed throughout the political community as leaders from across party lines acknowledged the vacuum created by Pawar's untimely demise.
The emotional responses from Marathwada politicians highlight not just the political significance of Ajit Pawar's leadership, but the deep personal connections he forged with colleagues across Maharashtra. His sudden departure has left a void that many believe will be difficult to fill in Maharashtra's political landscape.