Tough politician loved by people: Karnataka Assembly condoles Ajit Pawar's death; leaders pay rich tributes

Bengaluru, Jan 28 (IANS) The Karnataka State Legislature on Wednesday condoled the untimely death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in an aircraft crash in the morning. The Karnataka Assembly observed a one-minute silence in honour of Ajit Pawar and most leaders remembered him as a tough politician loved by the people of Maharashtra.

Speaker U.T. Khader, while condoling Ajit Pawar’s death, stated, “It is with deep regret that I inform this House that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and five other co-passengers died in a plane crash this morning.”

“Sri Ajit Pawar was born on July 22, 1959, in Ahmednagar. In 1982, he was elected to a cooperative sugar mandal and entered public life. He served as the President of the Pune District Cooperative Bank for 16 years. In 1991, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Baramati Parliamentary Constituency and served as a Union Defence Minister,” Khader said.

“He was elected several times from the Baramati Assembly Constituency. He rendered services by holding various positions, including that of Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly. At present, he was serving as the Deputy Chief Minister in the Maharashtra government.

"He was the voice of the poor, Dalits, and the underprivileged. He was known as a straightforward politician and was fondly called ‘Ajit Dada’. Today, while travelling to his Baramati constituency to inaugurate development works, he died in the aircraft crash,” Khader stated in his condolence message to the House.

Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs H.K. Patil said, “It would not be an exaggeration to say that Ajit Pawar was one of the rare politicians in the country. Over the past 10 years, his leadership and working style were widely appreciated. From 7 am till 11 pm, he would meet people at his office and listen to their grievances.”

“Under the guidance of Sharad Pawar, he emerged as a prominent politician in the country. When I served as the Congress incharge for Maharashtra, I worked closely with him. We had formed a coalition government with the NCP. During that time, Ajit Pawar was a firm leader — once he took a decision, he would not change it or compromise,” he said.

“I remember his friendship fondly. He always had harmonious feelings towards Karnataka and its people. During the implementation of the Doodh Ganga Project, Ajit Pawar had expressed his opinion in favour of Karnataka. He was pro-farmer and a senior cooperative leader. If sugar factories have survived, Ajit Pawar’s contribution is significant. I pay my respects to him,” Patil added.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka said, “Ajit Anant Rao Pawar was the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. I came to know about the incident while I was at my office. Including Ajit Pawar, six people were killed when the aircraft met with an accident during landing. He was fondly known as ‘Dada’. He had served as an eight-time legislator and six-time Deputy Chief Minister.”

“His priorities were rural development and irrigation. He was also keen on industrial and urban development. He had witnessed many ups and downs in his political career,” Ashoka said.

JD(S) floor leader C.B. Suresh Babu said, “I condole the death of Ajit Pawar. He ensured the development of the Baramati constituency and served as Deputy Chief Minister for a long period. Through his working style, he was affectionately called ‘Dada’ by supporters and leaders alike.”

Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar said, “Ajit Pawar was a statesman. We come from a bordering district, and he had a strong support base in our region as well. He served as Minister for Irrigation, Rural Development, and Industries and contributed significantly to Maharashtra’s growth. He was a tough leader who took firm decisions and was loved by the people.”

“We have close links with the Baramati constituency. Many say he used to meet people at his residence as early as 6.30 am. He was a committed politician. Though he faced charges in the later phase of his life, it is unbelievable that he is no more,” she said.

Former Deputy Chief Minister and Congress MLA Laxman Savadi said, “The news of Ajit Pawar’s demise this morning has deeply pained us. He was straightforward and spoke without hesitation. I attended many meetings with him and observed him closely. From his life, one should learn how to live meaningfully between birth and death. It is not easy to become Deputy Chief Minister six times — only a politician who wins people’s hearts can achieve that.”

“I wish Ajit Pawar is reborn in this country for the good of the land. He was a model politician, and we must learn from him,” Savadi stated.

--IANS