Bhakti Chalak

Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and veteran NCP leader Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday morning has created a void in Maharashtra's politics that can never be filled. He was known as an aggressive leader, a plain-speaker, and a strict administrator. However, beyond this, Ajit Pawar was also known as a 'Secular Leader'. His relationship with the Muslim community was one of deep affection and trust.

Throughout his career, Ajit Pawar always stood firmly behind the Muslim community. He remained insistent on the development of the minority community and their rights. While in power, he implemented numerous welfare schemes for Muslims. Whether it was the protection of Waqf lands or the development of Urdu schools, Ajit Pawar made substantial funds available for them.

He prioritised strengthening the Maulana Azad Economic Development Corporation. He had always taken a positive and firm stand on the issue of Muslim reservation as well. It was for this reason that the Muslim community held unbreakable trust and respect for him.

When NCP MLA Sangram Jagtap made controversial remarks against the Muslim community, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reprimanded his MLA.

At that time, he had said, "Sangram Jagtap has made a very wrong statement. Once the party's policies are decided, if any MP, MLA, or responsible person makes such statements against the party's ideology, it is completely unacceptable to the Nationalist Congress Party."

As per his annual tradition, he had organised an Iftar party during the month of Ramadan. Speaking on that occasion, he had given a clear warning: "Your brother Ajit Pawar is with you. If anyone tries to intimidate Muslim brothers or tries to instigate fights between the two groups, they will not be spared. No matter who the person in front is, they will not be let off the hook," he had stated emphatically.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won a massive victory, and the Modi government was formed. After that, the distance kept from the Muslim community in Indian politics became clearly visible. Including Congress, many parties had almost stopped giving tickets to Muslim candidates. In the 2025 Maharashtra Assembly elections, even the 'INDIA' alliance was hesitating to field Muslim candidates. At such a time, Ajit Pawar nominated two Muslim candidates from his party.

In such an atmosphere, Ajit Pawar chose a different path. He openly announced that his party would give 10% of tickets to the Muslim community. He fulfilled his promise of giving representation to Muslims in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections as well, fielding several Muslim candidates.

Political discussions regarding Muslim reservations had intensified in many states across the country. Pressure was being mounted on the BJP-ruled and non-BJP governments. Even in such a tense situation, Ajit Pawar clashed with the BJP over Muslim reservation. He openly presented the Muslim community's side. He insisted that the Muslim community in Maharashtra must get 5% reservation. He publicly expressed the view that socially and educationally backward Muslims must get their rights.

Ajit Pawar had often clarified his secular and inclusive stance. Previously, Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane had claimed that there was no participation of Muslims in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's army. Ajit Pawar had rebuked Nitesh Rane for this. He also advised leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties to exercise restraint.

Ajit Pawar had said, "Whether ruling or opposition, politicians should avoid making any statements that would create law and order issues. Historians have proved with evidence that there were Muslim soldiers (Mavalas) in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's army and by his side. I don't know why Nitesh Rane made such a statement. But one thing is certain, Indian Muslims are patriots."

Ajit Pawar's political journey was very interesting and full of struggle. He learned the lessons of politics under the guidance of the cooperative stalwart and his uncle, Sharad Pawar. His journey began in 1982 as a director of a sugar factory. After that, he became the Chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank. In 1991, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Baramati. However, he resigned from the Lok Sabha to make way for Sharad Pawar and became active in state politics.

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He won consecutive elections from the Baramati assembly constituency with record margins. The work he did as the state's Water Resources Minister, Finance Minister, and Deputy Chief Minister is still remembered by people today. He had a tremendous grip on the administration. Starting work early in the morning and disposing of files immediately was his working style. Even though he rebelled within the party in 2023 to join the government, his working style and habit of mingling with people remained the same. Today, with his passing, Maharashtra has lost a dynamic and inclusive leader.