'Dada' era cut short: Shiv Sena (UBT) remembers Ajit Pawar in Saamana editorial

Ajit Pawar. Pic/PTI

Shiv Sena (UBT) has expressed deep anguish over the sudden death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, describing him as the unquestioned "Dada" of the state's politics and lamenting that his era has ended far too early, reported news agency IANS.

Loss compared to Mahajan, Munde, Deshmukh and R.R. Patil

In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Thackeray-led camp said Pawar's demise was comparable to the untimely loss of towering leaders such as Pramod Mahajan, Gopinath Munde, Vilasrao Deshmukh and R.R. Patil, reported IANS.

"It feels as though Marathi politics has once again fallen victim to an evil eye. Maharashtra has lost a strong, capable leader," the editorial stated, reflecting the shock within political circles.

Editorial recalls Pawar's discipline and results-driven governance

The write-up portrayed Pawar as a forthright and results-driven administrator who believed in discipline, punctuality and cleanliness. According to the editorial, empty assurances were alien to his working style, as he preferred delivering outcomes rather than making promises.

‘Protective shield' for followers, says Saamana

The Sena (UBT) said his absence would leave state politics "bland, sluggish and without direction," noting that Pawar served as a protective shield for thousands of followers who now feel suddenly unmoored, reported IANS.

From Sharad Pawar's nephew to an independent political force

Highlighting his decisive governance, the editorial recalled Pawar's "dashing" persona and his ability to push the administrative machinery into action. While he entered politics as Sharad Pawar's nephew, it said he soon forged an independent identity marked by relentless movement and tireless touring. In a tragic irony, it added, his final journey was towards Baramati - the place closest to his heart.

Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday in a plane crash at Baramati airport, leaving behind a long career of ups and downs in politics. He was headed to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad Elections.

Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra non-consecutively. He served in the position for six terms within various governments. He had worked as deputy chief minister in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde.

(With inputs from IANS)