Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday said he had never imagined that he and the late former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar would join hands, given that their parties were political rivals.
Speaking during the condolence motion in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Thackeray praised Pawar’s administrative acumen and described him as a pillar of support during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.
“I never imagined that Ajit Pawar and we would ever come together, as our parties were politically opposed. We witnessed two significant mornings — one that shocked everyone with Ajit Pawar’s decision, and another that left Maharashtra grieving,” he said.
“We came together unexpectedly. Initially, I had reservations. I had no administrative experience when I became Chief Minister. I was surprised when it was decided that Ajit Pawar would be the Deputy Chief Minister. However, once we began working together, I realised I had gained an excellent and generous colleague and friend in Ajit Dada. He became my pillar of support in governance and administration. Whenever I did not understand something, I would consult him. He had the habit of studying every subject in depth,” Thackeray added.
Highlighting Pawar’s political journey, Thackeray said, “Ajit Dada served as Deputy Chief Minister six times. What stands out is that he stepped out from the shadow of a massive tree to carve his own identity. While some remain in the shadow all their lives, Ajit Dada created his own path.”
Recalling his visits to Baramati, Thackeray said that despite his own health concerns at the time, Pawar personally accompanied him and showcased the region’s transformation.
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“I visited Baramati two or three times. I was dealing with health issues then, but Ajit Dada ensured he was with me. He showed me the transformation of Baramati — the roads, institutions, schools and overall development. It was astonishing. After his passing, I felt Baramati had become orphaned. A place once filled with energy suddenly felt desolate,” he said.
Referring to the Covid-19 lockdown period, Thackeray said that when the state Secretariat (Mantralaya) was shut and economic activity appeared uncertain, Pawar ensured continuity.
“During the lockdown, when Mantralaya was closed and it seemed the economic cycle might stall, Ajit Dada kept Maharashtra’s economy moving and ensured no scheme was shut. He demonstrated the skill required to run an administration,” he said.
Thackeray also spoke about the allegations levelled against Pawar in recent years.
“Recently, Ajit Pawar had remarked that he was in power with those who had once accused him of a Rs 70,000 crore scam. Why am I mentioning this? Because we must reflect on how much we defame a person while they are alive. How many allegations should be made? Should we try to destroy someone’s life? There must be a limit. He faced numerous allegations but confronted them all; he never broke down,” he said.
Describing Pawar’s working style, Thackeray said officials were often wary of his commanding presence.
“He had a powerful voice and spoke fearlessly. At times, his straightforwardness landed him in trouble, but there was never any malice in his heart,” he added.
Thackeray further noted Pawar’s discipline and punctuality, linking it symbolically to his party’s ‘Clock’ emblem.
“Ajit Dada handled the Finance Department. Despite my inexperience, he supported me. He had an unbreakable bond with time — perhaps that is why the ‘Clock’ was his symbol. If he was scheduled to arrive at a certain time, he would be there without fail. Even his desk was always neat and perfectly arranged. When a leader is disciplined, the entire administration functions with discipline,” he said.
Concluding his tribute, Thackeray said Maharashtra had suffered a profound loss.
“Maharashtra has lost a charismatic leader. The mountain of grief caused by Ajit Pawar’s passing has fallen not only on the Pawar family but on the entire state,” he said.
(With IANS inputs)
