Mumbai, Feb 23 (NationPress) Union Minister Nitin Gadkari remarked on Monday that his bond with the late Ajit Pawar transcended mere political affiliations.

During an all-party condolence gathering hosted by the NCP, Gadkari expressed, “I never envisioned that I would find myself in a position to honor Dada. I was privileged to witness Dada’s journey from his inception as an MLA to his role as Minister of State for Energy. My time in the Maharashtra Legislature allowed our friendship to flourish, evolving well beyond political boundaries.”

He shared, “Whenever Dada visited Delhi, he made it a point to come by my residence. Upon arriving, he would often retrieve a piece of paper from his pocket. His professionalism was remarkable; he combined remarkable administrative capabilities with an innate ability to make swift decisions.”

Gadkari also highlighted Pawar's visionary approach towards development and his bravery in making tough choices. He was deeply connected to the people and had an unwavering commitment to honesty.

“He would bring forth lists of concerns from the most remote villages, ensuring every issue was addressed,” he added.

Gadkari recounted his last conversation with Ajit Pawar, where Pawar urged him, “Do something for Pune.” Following this, under both his and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's guidance, a substantial Rs 50,000 crore initiative for a tri-level flyover in Pune was devised and sanctioned. Gadkari mentioned that he had called Pawar to propose a joint groundbreaking ceremony once the Municipal Corporation elections concluded. This conversation marked our final exchange.”

He reminisced about a specific occasion when Ajit Pawar personally surveyed land at 5:00 AM to kickstart a branch of the Vasantdada Sugar Institute in Vidarbha, illustrating his exceptional sense of ownership towards his work.

Gadkari acknowledged Pawar's empathy for farmers and the common populace.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked, “No single individual shapes a state; it requires the collective efforts of various leaders. Ajit Pawar has certainly left an indelible mark. His contributions will be remembered as foundational to the state's development.”

Fadnavis lauded him as a “people's leader” who possessed profound knowledge of every district and taluka.

Emotions ran high as Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde paid tribute, stating, “I never anticipated this moment would arrive to honor Ajit Pawar. Very few politicians possess the clarity and firmness he exhibited. His departure was premature. The camaraderie we shared (Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar) was so profound that we could often anticipate each other's thoughts, yet we could not foresee what fate had planned.”

NCP SP legislator Jayant Patil reflected on Ajit Pawar's grand vision to revitalize Maharashtra and fortify the organization.

“He was intensely driven and ready to tackle any challenge. It's a mystery how a leader who traversed Maharashtra with such vigor could fall silent so abruptly,” he stated.

Former CM Sushilkumar Shinde recalled a time when he led the Congress-NCP government, highlighting the opposition's readiness to bring it down.

National Working President Praful Patel and Minister Chhagan Bhujbal also shared their cherished memories. Bhujbal noted, “When a colossal tree falls, its branches reflect its greatness. The essence of his memories will linger on.”

State President Sunil Tatkare expressed gratitude to all attendees.

The Governor Acharya Devvrat paid tribute to the late Ajit Pawar, acknowledging his contributions to Maharashtra's development.

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