Maharashtra Mourns Loss of Veteran Leader Ajit Pawar: Fadnavis, Shinde, Uddhav Recall His Legacy

Mumbai, Maharashtra: On the first day of Maharashtra’s budget session, the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was remembered with deep emotion by political leaders across the spectrum. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and former CM Uddhav Thackeray paid tribute to Pawar’s enduring legacy, highlighting his contributions to the state’s governance and development.

Fadnavis Remembers a “Dear Friend”

CM Devendra Fadnavis described Pawar as a leader with the potential to have become the state’s most capable Chief Minister. Speaking in the Assembly, Fadnavis said, “Ajit and I share the same birthday. He was eleven years my senior and, in many ways, a grandfatherly figure to me. Maharashtra could have had the most competent CM in him, but destiny had other plans.” He added that Pawar’s punctuality and dedication were exemplary, and his absence leaves a void in the state’s leadership.

Shinde and Thackeray Share Their Memories

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde called Pawar’s passing a profound loss, stating, “In politics, many decisions are correct, but leaving the world at this time was a mistake. If you could, come back. You, Ajit, and I formed a strong triangle for the state’s stability.”

Former CM Uddhav Thackeray lauded Pawar’s leadership and trustworthiness, noting, “In politics, people come and go, but losing a generous and reliable friend like Ajit is an irreplaceable loss. His role in managing the state’s economy during the COVID-19 period was unmatched.”

Tributes from Across the Political Spectrum

Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat recalled Pawar as a “man of action whose work will remain in the memories of the people.” Senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal reflected, “Like the significance of a banyan tree is understood when it falls, Ajit Pawar’s contributions will be forever remembered.”

A statewide condolence meeting in Mumbai saw tributes from industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, senior political leaders including Nitin Gadkari, former CJI B.R. Gavai, actor Nana Patekar, and others. Leaders highlighted Pawar’s meticulous approach to governance, noting his planning of key welfare schemes, including the “Ladli Bahna” program with a ₹46,000 crore allocation.

Ajit Pawar passed away in a plane crash on January 28, 2026. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, subsequently became Deputy CM on January 31 and is expected to continue leading the NCP. The Assembly and public tributes underscored his enduring impact on Maharashtra’s political and economic landscape.