Who ‘Dada’ really was: Memories of Ajit Pawar from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad

As Maharashtra mourns the sudden loss of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar memories of the leader extend far beyond politics and power From journalists and civic activists to labour representatives people across Pune and PimpriChinchwad remember him not only as a formidable administrator but as a man marked by candour warmth and an unmistakable personal connect Here are some of those memories as shared with middayRemembering Ajit DadaManav Kamble president Nagrik Haq Suraksha SamitildquoThe tragic demise of Maharashtrarsquos Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Dada Pawar in the Baramati plane crash on January 28 is an immeasurable lossA dynamic and charismatic leader he remained active in public life for nearly 35 years and created history by serving as deputy chief minister six timesKnown for his efficiency administrative grip fearless candour and unmatched political acumen Ajit Dada earned respect even from political opponents He balanced authority with warmth He was firm when required yet deeply affectionate towards party workers and citizens alikeHis sudden departure has created a vacuum in Maharashtra politics that will be extremely difficult to fillOn behalf of the Nagrik Haq Suraksha Samiti we offer our heartfelt tribute to the memories of Ajit Dada PawarrdquoDr Raghunath Kuchik Bharatiya Kamgar SenaldquoAjit Dada often criticised Shiv Sena policies and made sharp political remarks sometimes even using satire however without harbouring any personal animosityDespite political differences he always maintained decorum and believed in dialogueOn many occasions he set aside party lines to engage constructively on workersrsquo issues participated in trade union discussions and extended meaningful cooperationHis sudden and accidental death is deeply unfortunateHis fearless forthright and decisive style of leadership will always be rememberedOn behalf of Maharashtrarsquos working community we pay our heartfelt tribute to Ajit Dada PawarrdquoNandkumar Saturdekar Senior journalistldquoThe tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash is an extremely sorrowful incident With his deep knowledge of every corner of Maharashtra firm control over the administration a mischievous yet forthright nature and sharp political acumen Ajit Pawar ruled the hearts of PimpriChinchwad and the state for nearly 34 yearsI would like to share an incident that perfectly reflects Ajit Dadarsquos affectionate personality and his trademark blunt honestyDuring the tenure of the CongressNCP alliance government former PimpriChinchwad mayor and senior NCP leader Azam Pansare was considering joining the Congress To reassure him the NCP appointed him chairman of the Consumer Welfare Advisory CommitteeWhen Pansare visited Mantralaya to formally take charge and thank Ajit Pawar senior journalist Uddhav Bhadsalkar and I accompanied him but waited outside his officeAjit Dada asked who had come with him When our names were mentioned he immediately sent word through the staff asking us to come insideAs we entered he smiled and said lsquoJournalist friends is our relationship really so distant that you travelled all this way and chose to wait outsidersquoI replied lsquoDada whenever you visit the city you meet us We thought you might want a private conversationrsquoHe laughed and saidlsquoFor me inside or outside itrsquos all the samersquoHe then began signing files In complete silence he cleared an entire stack within five minutesTo lighten the moment I said lsquoDada you disposed of so many files so quicklyrsquoHe burst into laughter and saidlsquoWersquove got such a Chief Minister that even his hand freezes while signing files Hersquos always scaredrsquoThen touching his head he added with a grinlsquoI shouldnrsquot say such things but somehow the words just slip outrsquoThat honesty humour and spontaneity remain unforgettablerdquo