Long before policy announcements and election promises, Ajit Pawar’s politics of inclusion began in his village Katewadi — where women remember him as their protective elder brother
Women break down in tears during the final darshan of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar at Katewadi in Baramati. Pic/By Special Arrangement
As Maharashtra bid farewell to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, memories of his political legacy extended beyond power and administration to a quieter but deeply personal contribution — his consistent emphasis on women’s dignity, recognition, and empowerment, rooted in his native village of Katewadi.
Long before the recent cabinet decision mandating the inclusion of mothers’ names in all government documents, Katewadi village in Baramati taluka had already set an example. In 2005, the village gram panchayat introduced mothers’ names alongside fathers’ names on all land ownership records.
The decision, led by women members of the panchayat, aimed to formally acknowledge the role of mothers in family and community life.
Roads in Katewadi wear a deserted look as residents left their homes to pay tribute to their beloved leader Ajit Pawar. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Katewadi, the Pawar family’s native village, later earned national recognition for its progressive governance. In 2008, it was declared a ‘model village’ by the Maharashtra government and subsequently developed into the state’s first eco-village. Ajit Pawar’s wife, Sunetra Pawar, played a key role in planning and implementing several of these initiatives.
Despite his demanding schedule, Pawar made it a point to visit Katewadi regularly. Village women recalled that he and Sunetra Pawar participated every year in the Bail Pola celebrations, where residents treated them as members of their own family.
A leader loved by all
Ajit Pawar’s association with women-centric welfare remained prominent throughout his political career. His Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched last year, emerged as one of the most popular schemes in Maharashtra, providing a monthly honorarium of R1500 to eligible women beneficiaries.
The scheme found wide acceptance, particularly in rural areas, and became a defining element of his outreach during the Assembly elections. The campaign’s distinctive pink theme and emphasis on swift implementation strengthened his connection with women voters. Under the Women and Child Development Ministry, headed by Aditi Tatkare, operational hurdles were cleared on priority. Pawar repeatedly assured beneficiaries that funds would not fall short, reinforcing confidence in the scheme.
An unfulfilled wish
The emotional bond between Pawar and women supporters was most visible during his final darshan.
As his mortal remains were brought to Katewadi ahead of the last rites, women from across Baramati and neighbouring villages gathered in large numbers to pay tribute to the leader they affectionately called ‘Dada’.
One elderly woman, holding a rakhi in trembling hands, broke down in tears.
“I came to tie this rakhi for him,” she cried. “This time my wish remained unfulfilled.”
Similar scenes unfolded as several women struggled to accept the loss of a leader they viewed as a protective elder brother and a dependable pillar of support. In Katewadi and Baramati, many households observed mourning by not lighting their stoves, reflecting the depth of collective grief.
Final journey from Katewadi
Ajit Pawar’s funeral procession began from Katewadi on Thursday morning amid overwhelming sorrow. Thousands gathered from early dawn to pay their respects to the Pawar family.
Senior leaders, including Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule, were present as emotional slogans of “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe” echoed through the village. The flower-decked vehicle carrying his mortal remains travelled nearly seven kilometres through Baramati’s main areas before reaching the Vidya Pratishtan campus. Along the route, mourners followed silently, many running behind the procession with tearful eyes.
A heavy police deployment, traffic diversions and drone surveillance were put in place to manage the massive turnout.
Legacy beyond politics
Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise has left Maharashtra mourning not just a powerful administrator, but a leader whose connection with grassroots workers and women beneficiaries went far beyond political symbolism. From pioneering reforms in his native village to statewide welfare initiatives, his imprint on inclusive governance remains enduring.
Silent stoves, sleepless nights
In a rare collective gesture of respect, households across Baramati did not light their gas stoves on Wednesday and Thursday. Many residents remained outdoors through the night, refusing to return home as they bid an emotional farewell to their beloved leader.
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