During a press conference in Mumbai in December 2024, when Shinde asked reporters to “wait till evening” for clarity, Ajit Pawar had quipped, “I will take the oath, I won’t wait,” drawing laughter from those present
CM Fadnavis, Shinde and Ajit Pawar during the press conference held in Dec, 2024. File Pic/Atul Kamble
Following the tragic demise of Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on Wednesday, a light-hearted moment from Maharashtra’s post-poll political negotiations has resurfaced, reminding many of the NCP chief’s sharp wit.
During a press conference in Mumbai in December 2024, Ajit Pawar shared a humorous exchange with Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde while questions were raised about the oath-taking ceremony for the new Maharashtra government after the conclusion of assembly polls.
When Shinde asked reporters to “wait till evening” for clarity, Ajit Pawar had quipped, “I will take the oath, I won’t wait,” drawing laughter from those present.
Shinde responded with a playful remark about Ajit Pawar’s past experience of taking oath at different times, further lightening the mood.
The moment is now being widely recalled as a glimpse of Ajit Pawar’s candid personality amid serious political deliberations.
#WATCH | Mumbai: When asked if he and NCP chief Ajit Pawar will also take oath as Deputy CMs tomorrow, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde says, "Wait till evening..."
Replying to Shinde, NCP chief Ajit Pawar says, "Sham tak unka samaj aayega, I will take it (oath), I will not wait."… pic.twitter.com/ZPfgg6Knco
— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2024
Ajit Pawar, 66, was killed in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday morning. His final rites will be held in Pune on Thursday.
Ajit Pawar dies in plane crash: Follow LIVE Updates here
Ajit Pawar's one-liner remembered
When asked whether he and Ajit Pawar would take oath as Deputy Chief Ministers on December 5, 2024, Eknath Shinde responded with a smile, urging reporters to “wait till evening”, adding a note of suspense around the ceremony.
Ajit Pawar, known for his sharp wit, was quick to interject. “Sham tak unka samaj aayega,” he remarked, before adding pointedly, “I will take it. I will not wait,” signalling his readiness to assume office without hesitation.
Shinde’s playful retort draws laughter
Not missing the chance for a riposte, Shinde quipped that Pawar had the “experience of taking oath both in the morning and evening”, a tongue-in-cheek reference to Pawar’s earlier stints as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister.
The remark triggered laughter among those present, momentarily easing the political tension surrounding government formation.
Clip surfaces online
Following reports on Wednesday that Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Pune, the clip has resurfaced on social media, with many recalling the veteran leader’s political acumen and quick humour. The exchange is now being remembered as one of the lighter moments in Maharashtra’s otherwise turbulent political landscape.
Ajit Pawar to be cremated with state honours
The last rites of Ajit Pawar, who was killed in the plane crash, will be held with full state honours on Thursday in Baramati, in Pune district, reported the PTI.
The funeral will take place at the Vidya Pratishthan ground at 11 a.m. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said that leaders from across the political spectrum will attend, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are expected to be present, the news agency reported.
The crash occurred on Wednesday morning, shortly after Ajit Pawar and four others took off from Mumbai. In addition to Pawar, the victims included his personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members, the pilot-in-command and the first officer.
Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and two sons, Parth and Jay.
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