Clock stops for ‘Dada’

Ajit Pawar’s death leaves Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad without their longest-serving guardian minister

- Varad Bhatkhande

Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad plunged into deep sorrow after Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and District Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, widely regarded as the two cities’ architect, died in a plane crash on Wednesday.

Throughout his political career, Pawar had called Baramati his “janmabhoomi” (place of birth) and described Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad as his “karmabhoomi” (place of work), where he shaped generations of urban growth and governance.

As the longest-serving guardian minister of the district, Ajit Pawar exercised decisive influence over infrastructure and urban planning within the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal limits. Over the years, he emerged as a father figure and a true guardian for residents, driving long-term development with a clear focus on quality, discipline and execution.

Known for his punctuality and precision, Pawar never compromised on the quality of work. His approach to governance was rooted in planning for the next 50 years. Neatness and attention to detail defined his working style, and he insisted that projects be completed only when he was fully satisfied with their quality and aesthetics.

Pawar preferred to conduct inspections, groundbreakings and inaugurations on site. He frequently arrived in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad at dawn to personally review development work, keeping officials and office-bearers on constant alert. This hands-on approach ensured that civic infrastructure across the region maintained high standards.