Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Feb 28: A month after the passing of former Maharashtra deputy chief minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Ajit Pawar, tributes continue to flow from his family and political colleagues, who say his commitment to development and public welfare will remain a guiding force.
Newly appointed NCP chief and Maharashtra deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar on Saturday reflected on the enduring impact of his leadership. While acknowledging the profound personal loss, she said his vision and tireless work ethic would continue to inspire the party and its cadre.
In an emotional message shared on social media, Sunetra Pawar — who was also his wife — described him as a compassionate leader devoted wholeheartedly to public service.
“A man of heart and soul. A deep sense of humanity, an unceasing sincere urge to work, and an untiring attitude to strive for society — this was the true personality of Ajit Dada. His firm stand on using power for public welfare, the path of development shaped by his vision, and the immense trust of the people earned through his work formed the essence of his life’s mission,” she wrote.
She added that his decisiveness and the strength he instilled within the NCP family would continue to motivate workers. “Ajit Dada will always live in our memories. His reflection will remain in our thoughts, our actions, and in every initiative we undertake,” she said.
His son, Jay Pawar, also shared a heartfelt message, expressing that the void left behind is felt “at every step and every moment.”
“It has been a month since you left us. I still cannot believe it. I am speechless and do not know what more to write,” he said.
NCP (SP) legislator and nephew Rohit Pawar recalled a poignant memory of a WhatsApp call he placed on January 28. “What happened still feels like a bad dream. That day I dialed his number, but the call went unanswered, and that familiar heavy voice was not heard. It is deeply painful,” he wrote.
Another nephew, Yugendra Pawar, posted a detailed tribute on Facebook, expressing both sorrow and determination to carry forward his uncle’s political and social legacy. He noted that lingering questions about the circumstances surrounding the accident that led to Ajit Pawar’s death continue to weigh heavily on the family.
“It has been the most painful month of our lives. Even today, the heart refuses to accept your absence,” he wrote, adding that the family — including his grandmother and father — is still struggling to cope with the loss.
He also remarked that the ongoing Budget Session of the Maharashtra Legislature feels incomplete without Ajit Pawar’s commanding voice in the House. “Your path will guide us. Your dreams will become our goals. The void you have left can never be filled,” he said.
Meanwhile, NCP (SP) working president and cousin Supriya Sule said coming to terms with his passing remains difficult. “The emptiness created by Ajit Dada’s departure can never be replaced. The joyful memories we shared will remain with us forever,” she wrote on X.
As Maharashtra’s political community reflects on the legacy of one of its most influential leaders, party workers affirm that Ajit Pawar’s focus on development-driven governance and strong grassroots engagement will continue to shape the NCP’s future course.