Baramati, April 4
In a highly emotional gathering that left many supporters in tears, Jay Pawar on Saturday emphasised that while the opposition has the right to contest the election, the people of Baramati have already made up their minds.
"Dada (Ajit Pawar) may not be with us physically, but he lives in our hearts and his qualities are within all of us," he stated.
He credited the collective efforts of the Pawar family, including Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar, and others, for Baramati's development over the years.
He was speaking at the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) workers' review meeting for the Baramati bypoll, slated for April 23, in which the party has fielded his mother, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.
Jay Pawar said: "It is my misfortune that my last speech was in front of Ajit Dada, but it gives me peace that he saw me grow."
The event, marked by a somber atmosphere following the recent tragic loss of a senior leader (referred to as "Dada"), saw Jay Pawar pledging to uphold the family's political legacy.
He recalled his first campaign speech in 2014, where the late leader had expressed surprise and pride in his speaking abilities.
He also highlighted the late leader's legendary work ethic, noting that during his recent visits to hail-damaged farms, farmers remarked that if "Dada" were alive, government officials would have reached the spot overnight to provide relief.
Jay Pawar outlined his commitment to fulfilling the dreams left behind, specifically focusing on infrastructure by continuing the development seen at Vidya Pratishthan and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area, expanding the MIDC to bring more companies and employment to the region, and pledging to travel to every village to maintain the dialogue that the Pawar family has always held with citizens.
The meeting also touched upon the "Black Day" of January 28, 2026, the date of the tragic accident.
Jay Pawar addressed the ongoing investigation, confirming that both "Black Boxes" have been recovered.
Expressing the doubts of many supporters, he questioned whether the incident was a mere accident or something more sinister.
"I don't know if it was an accident or foul play, but everyone who saw the video has doubts," he said.
He called for the immediate arrest of those responsible for maintenance or oversight, comparing the situation to legal actions taken against engineers when buildings collapse.
The meeting concluded with a resounding show of support from party workers, who chanted unity slogans as the NCP prepares for a high-stakes electoral battle in the shadow of their late leader's legacy.
Meanwhile, Sunetra Pawar will file her nomination on April 6.
- IANS
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