Mumbai, Feb 2 (NationPress) The enduring political legacy of the late Yashwantrao Chavan, which played a crucial role in shaping the career of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is now being championed by his spouse, Sunetra Pawar, the newly appointed Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. On Monday, she visited Satara and Phaltan, where she honored the memory of Yashwantrao Chavan at the Pritisangam in Karad, the memorial (Samadhi) dedicated to the state’s inaugural Chief Minister.

Throughout his political journey, Yashwantrao Chavan’s memorial and his values held great importance for Ajit Pawar; he made frequent visits to the site during significant periods of his life and often referenced in his addresses that his political and social endeavors were deeply rooted in Chavan’s principles. Following Ajit Pawar’s passing, Sunetra Pawar seems keen on continuing this homage.

Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar laid a floral tribute at the memorial of the late Yashwantrao Chavan and subsequently visited the home of the late Vidip Jadhav in Lonand, Phaltan tehsil.

She plans to extend her condolences to Vidip Jadhav’s family.

Vidip Jadhav was a security guard who tragically lost his life in the aircraft incident alongside Ajit Pawar in Baramati. This visit follows a recent one by Rohit Pawar (MLA from the Sharad Pawar faction), who pledged to support the education of Jadhav’s children. After her meeting, Sunetra Pawar is anticipated to return to Baramati.

The Deputy CM’s pilgrimage to Yashwantrao Chavan’s memorial was meant to reaffirm the party's dedication to the secular values championed by Chhatrapati Shivaji, Chhatrapati Shahu, Mahatma Phule, and BR Ambedkar, despite being part of the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra and at the national level, as noted by a senior party leader.

After taking her oath on Saturday, Dy CM Sunetra Pawar remarked, “Respected Ajitdada instilled the philosophy of dedicating one’s life to farmers, laborers, women, youth, and the marginalized. Today, carrying forward the essence of their thoughts with unwavering commitment to the tenets of Shiv-Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar, I am filled with emotion as I accept this Deputy Chief Minister role with a profound sense of duty.”

She further added, “While the untimely loss of Dada has devastated my heart, my true support lies in my duty-bound dedication, the strength to fight, and the connection with the people that he taught me. I will persistently strive to bring forth a just, equality-driven, and developed Maharashtra, as he envisioned. In these challenging times, the affection and encouragement from the people of Maharashtra are my genuine strength. With your trust and the illumination of Dada’s ideals, I will continue to forge ahead with renewed hope.”