‘Created A Void; Deeply Unfortunate’: Uddhav, Raj Thackeray Mourn Ajit Pawar

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday expressed profound grief over the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash.

He said Maharashtra has lost a steadfast leader and a valued colleague from his cabinet.

Uddhav Thackeray recalled working closely with Ajit Pawar when he served as Chief Minister.

He said Ajit Pawar held the posts of Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister during that period.

Thackeray described him as a disciplined administrator with a firm command over the Finance Department and a sharp understanding of governance.

He said they developed a strong professional bond while working together. Uddhav Thackeray noted that Ajit Pawar was open, candid, and direct in his communication.

He added that Pawar did not carry grudges and valued personal relationships, even when political paths diverged.

Uddhav Thackeray said Maharashtra knew Ajit Pawar affectionately as ‘Dada’.

He said Pawar’s sudden departure has created a major void in the state’s leadership. He praised Pawar for caring deeply about party workers and remaining accessible.

On behalf of himself, the Thackeray family, and the Shiv Sena, he paid heartfelt tributes to Ajit Pawar.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray also mourned the loss, calling Ajit Pawar an exceptional leader.

He said both entered politics around the same time, though they became acquainted later.

Raj Thackeray said Pawar’s passion for politics helped him rise quickly in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

He said Ajit Pawar initially followed the political legacy of Sharad Pawar but later carved an independent identity across the state.

Raj Thackeray said Pawar understood the changing dynamics of Maharashtra during the 1990s, when urbanisation expanded, and rural regions began facing urban-style challenges.

He cited Pimpri Chinchwad and Baramati as clear examples of Pawar’s administrative impact.

He said even political opponents acknowledged the transformation of these regions.

Raj Thackeray described Ajit Pawar as decisive, honest, and efficient. He said Pawar handled administration with precision and resolved issues without false promises.

He praised Pawar for remaining free of caste bias and treating politics as ideological, not personal.

Raj Thackeray said Maharashtra has lost a rare leader who upheld the state’s political traditions.

He extended condolences to the Pawar family and paid tributes on behalf of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.

Also Read: India Rising As Global Aviation Bridge Linking Global South & World: PM Modi