Mumbai, Jan 28 (NationPress) Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena-UBT and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, expressed his sorrow over the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, stating he has lost a resilient leader and an exceptional colleague from his cabinet.

“During my tenure as Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar served as my Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister. He was a meticulous leader with a strong command over his department and profound knowledge of the Finance Department. We shared a unique connection as commendable colleagues. Ajit Pawar was open-hearted, vocal, and didn't hold onto grudges. Despite choosing a different political path, our relationship remained intact,” Uddhav Thackeray remarked.

“In Maharashtra, he was affectionately known as ‘Dada.’ I never anticipated that he would depart so early. He was a leader who valued his workers, and his absence has created a significant void in the state's leadership. In every sense, he was indeed ‘Dada.’ On behalf of myself, ‘Thackeray,’ and the Shiv Sena family, I extend my heartfelt tribute to Dada,” he added.

Raj Thackeray, leader of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, echoed similar sentiments, stating that Maharashtra has lost a remarkable leader.

“Ajit Pawar and I embarked on our political journeys around the same time, though we became acquainted later. His passionate commitment to politics enabled him to make significant strides in Maharashtra's political landscape. While he was shaped by the legacy of (NCP founder) Sharad Pawar, he ultimately established his own unique identity, leaving a mark across every corner of Maharashtra,” he noted.

Raj Thackeray elaborated on the changes in Maharashtra's socio-political fabric, saying, “In the 1990s, urbanization surged in Maharashtra. Rural areas began transitioning towards semi-urbanization, yet the political discourse remained rooted in rural issues. Ajit Pawar had an astute understanding of this political dynamic and skillfully navigated it. Areas like Pimpri Chinchwad and Baramati stand as testimony to his transformative impact, recognized even by his political adversaries.”

“He was a leader with a clear grasp of administration and knew precisely how to resolve bureaucratic challenges. In a time when governance must transcend individual power, it is profoundly saddening that Maharashtra has lost a leader of his caliber. Ajit Pawar was refreshingly candid; if something was impossible, he would communicate that directly, and if achievable, he dedicated his efforts towards it. Deceiving the public with empty promises was simply not in his nature. In politics, honesty often comes at a cost, and one can only imagine the price Ajit Pawar had to pay for his truthfulness,” he commented.

“Ajit Pawar was also devoid of caste bias, which is a rare quality in today’s political landscape. Leaders willing to engage without caste considerations are dwindling, and Ajit Pawar was a prominent figure among them. Political opposition should remain political, not personal, and the loss of generous adversaries in Maharashtra is detrimental to our state's rich political heritage,” he concluded.

“My family and I share in the grief of the Pawar family. On behalf of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, I pay my heartfelt respects to Ajit Pawar,” he added.