Mumbai, Jan 30: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) on Friday said the death of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar will inevitably alter the state’s political equations, describing him as a mass leader whose absence leaves a deep void in public life.
In an editorial published in party mouthpiece Saamana, the Sena (UBT) said Pawar’s departure would force a realignment among his followers, while noting that his stature and leadership style were irreplaceable. The party described him as a leader deeply connected with the people, whose passing has caused widespread grief across Maharashtra.
The editorial said Ajit Pawar practised a grounded and pragmatic form of politics, blending authority with sensitivity. While Sharad Pawar’s political base comprised influential and landed elites, Ajit Pawar, it noted, consolidated power by carrying these forces together and deploying that influence to address the needs of ordinary citizens.
Calling his death untimely, the editorial said Pawar “merged into the infinite” at an age when he should have continued serving the state. It highlighted the massive turnout at his funeral in Baramati as evidence of his popularity and public standing.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tribute, the editorial recalled that despite past allegations related to the irrigation scam, the Prime Minister termed Pawar’s death an irreparable loss and acknowledged his contribution to Maharashtra’s development and the cooperative sector. The Sena (UBT) claimed the allegations were never proven and alleged that they were used to politically corner Pawar.
The editorial further said that even after joining the BJP led government, Pawar retained his independent political identity and avoided divisive rhetoric. It added that he maintained distance from ideological campaigns centred on social or religious polarisation.
Highlighting his administrative approach, the editorial said Pawar respected democratic conventions and valued the role of the opposition. It noted that he often consulted opposition leaders, accommodated their suggestions in policy decisions, and displayed generosity in appointments and fund allocations.
Describing him as sharp, approachable, and compassionate, the editorial said Pawar frequently resolved public grievances personally and used the authority of his office to benefit the underprivileged. Though his political journey did not include imprisonment or mass movements, the Sena (UBT) said he evolved into a leader rooted in public welfare through the responsible use of power.