Opinions of Ajit Pawar

I come from Phulambri, which is also the village of Ajit Dada’s maternal aunt, so he often visited. In 2013, during the severe drought, he was touring Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. As he was heading to Shri Kshetra Paithan, I requested him to spare five minutes to visit a dam in Kaudgaon built through public contribution. I felt nervous, yet hopeful. I watched him arrive at the site with former minister Rajesh Tope, Fauzia Khan, and district officials. His eyes carefully examined every detail. I guided him to the tree whose branch was seen submerged in the photographs I had shown earlier. When he personally verified that the same branch matched both the photos and the site, I felt deep relief and pride. Only then did I sense his complete satisfaction.

— Kishor Shitole, BJP City President

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Dada’s love for Yusuf Bhai’s biryani

Whenever late Ajit Pawar visited Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, we saw him stay in the VIP suite at Subhedari Vishramgruha without exception. Whether it was lunch or dinner, he always preferred the biryani prepared by our cook, Yusuf Bhai. Yusuf Bhai is no longer with us, but we still remember those moments fondly. If any facility was missing in the VIP suite, he would politely convey it through his personal assistant. We never saw him complain or make demands. We witnessed his simple lifestyle, humility, and respectful behaviour towards everyone. His modesty and warmth left a lasting impression on all of us.

— Staff of Subhedari Guest House

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A leader who kept his word

I believe he was truly one of a kind. In 2010, he assured me, “Don’t take any tension. I will make you a corporator. You just focus on your work and don’t worry about anything else.” Those words gave me confidence and direction. Later, when he came to Sambhajinagar, he told party workers that it was entirely their choice where they wished to be, that they could remain in any faction, and that it would never upset him. That openness and trust reflected the kind of leader he was. Today, with his passing, our party has suffered an enormous and irreparable loss.

— Abhijeet Deshmukh, City District President, NCP (AP)