G. Sreekanth
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
While serving as municipal commissioner, I often met Ajit Dada. His love and concern for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar were evident every time. His first question was always: “Sreekanth, have you solved the city’s water problem?” I would update him on the progress of new water supply projects. He appreciated initiatives like road widening campaigns and encouraged me with words like, “I am not afraid of anyone; you also work the same way,” giving me energy and motivation. His untimely demise is a great loss to the state.
Dada visited the Smart City office and was impressed by several innovative initiatives, including the 750-CCTV command center, waste collection system, and the Savitri Class for absentee students on September 17, 2024. Officials from Baramati were sent to provide further details. He often expressed the desire for a good skill center in the city and wanted it clean, beautiful, and free of road encroachments. In meetings, whether at the DPDC or in the cabinet, he would often ask, “What happened, Sreekanth?” his words always carrying warmth and affection. His habit of starting work at 7 am inspired me to begin my own meetings early. When I gave him my wedding invitation, he politely inquired about every detail, though he could not attend, and sent his best wishes. Our last meeting was over a meal at MLC Satish Chavan’s house, where he again appreciated the road widening initiative. He reassured me about current allegations, saying, “Tomorrow the same people will praise you,” and inquired about the water project, assuring sufficient funding.