Veteran social activist Baba Adhav passes away; CM Fadnavis, Rahul Gandhi express grief

Baba Adhav passed away in Pune on Monday night. Pic/X (@RahulGandhi)

Veteran social activist Baba Adhav passed away in Pune on Monday night after a prolonged illness, his aide confirmed. He was 95 and is survived by his two sons, Asim and Amber.

Adhav had been admitted to a private hospital 12 days ago after his health suddenly deteriorated. He was placed on life support during his treatment but died at 8.25 pm following cardiac arrest, his aide Nitin Pawar said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday expressed grief over the passing of Baba Adhav, calling his death "extremely saddening".

In a post on X, Fadnavis wrote, Baba Adhav had dedicated his entire life to fighting for the rights of marginalised and unorganised workers. He recalled that Adhav played a pivotal role as a pillar of support for labourers and helped establish strong organisations for head loaders, rickshaw drivers, and construction workers.

CM Fadnavis also highlighted Adhav's significant contributions through initiatives such as Hamals' Panchayat and the Ek Gaon, Ek Panwatha -- a significant movement against caste discrimination aimed at promoting equal access to village water resources, as well as his powerful fight against social evils.

"Maharashtra has always been blessed with a rich tradition of great social reformers, and today we have lost one of its most remarkable personalities," CM Fadnavis wrote, adding that Adhav's thoughts and work would continue to inspire future generations.

The Chief Minister offered heartfelt tributes to the late social worker and extended condolences to his family members and followers.

The health of veteran social activist Baba Adhav had last week worsened, and he was in the ICU of a Pune hospital, his family had earlier said on Saturday.

Leaders from various political parties, including NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar had visited the hospital to check on the 95-year-old activist's condition.

Babasaheb Pandurang Adhav is widely regarded as a pillar of Maharashtra's social and labour movements. One of the major landmarks of his work was the establishment of the Hamal Panchayat, through which he organised porters across Pune and the rest of Maharashtra. He also led the groundbreaking ‘Ek Gaon, Ek Panwatha' movement, which fought against caste discrimination and promoted social equality.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed deep sorrow over the death of Baba Adhav, calling it an "irreparable loss".

In a post on X, the Congress leader described Adhav as a "strong pillar of social justice" who dedicated his entire life to fighting for the rights of the marginalised, the exploited and the working class. He said the flame of struggle ignited by Adhav in Pune became a torch for social justice movements across the country.