An Era Ends in Maharashtra Politics: Shiv Sena (UBT) Mourns Ajit Pawar as the State Loses Its ‘Dada’

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) has expressed profound grief over the sudden passing of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar, describing his departure as the end of a powerful and energetic phase in the state’s politics. In an emotional editorial published in the party’s mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction said that Ajit Pawar truly lived up to the title of “Dada” in Maharashtra’s political landscape and that his absence would be deeply felt across party lines.

The editorial noted that Maharashtra has repeatedly witnessed the premature loss of influential leaders and placed Ajit Pawar in the same tragic bracket as Pramod Mahajan, Gopinath Munde, Vilasrao Deshmukh and R.R. Patil. It remarked that once again, the state has been deprived of a strong and capable administrator at a time when experienced leadership was most needed.

“It feels as though an unseen shadow has fallen on Marathi politics,” the editorial said, adding that the political atmosphere of the state now risks becoming “slow, flavourless and without direction.” The party observed that for thousands of workers and supporters, Ajit Pawar acted as a shield and guiding force, and his absence has left many feeling suddenly unprotected.

Reflecting on his style of functioning, the Thackeray camp highlighted Pawar’s sharp decision-making and command over the administrative machinery. Known for his punctuality and relentless travel schedule, he was often described as a leader who was always on the move and constantly engaged with work. While he entered public life carrying the legacy of Sharad Pawar, the editorial stressed that Ajit Pawar eventually created his own political identity, marked by authority and visibility.

The piece also struck a balanced note, acknowledging that Pawar enjoyed power and influence and was not free from controversy. At times, his aggressive speaking style landed him in trouble, but the editorial pointed out that in recent years he showed greater restraint and political maturity.

Recalling the tragic crash in Baramati, the editorial described the incident as horrifying and symbolic, noting that just a day before the accident, Pawar had reportedly cleared all pending files, underlining his reputation for efficiency till the very end.

“Ajit Pawar’s departure is not merely the loss of an individual,” the editorial concluded. “It signals the closure of a bold and forceful era. Maharashtra’s political and social life will now have to move forward carrying a deep and unsettling void.”