NCP urges Maha govt to recommend Ajit Pawar for posthumous Padma Vibhushan
Mumbai, July 9
The Nationalist Congress Party Legislature Party on Thursday requested the Maharashtra government to recommend the name of the late NCP National President and former Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, for the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award.
NCP Chief Whip in the state Assembly Chetan Vitthal Tupe (Patil) has sent a letter on behalf of all NCP Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Legislative Council (MLCs) to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging immediate action.
The demand follows the tragic aircraft accident on January 28, 2026, near Baramati, which resulted in the untimely demise of the veteran leader.
In his official correspondence dated July 8, 2026, Tupe highlighted Pawar's extensive six-term tenure as Deputy Chief Minister and his significant contribution to Maharashtra's development.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Tupe confirmed that he had urged the Chief Minister to recommend the Padma Vibhushan (Posthumous) award for former Deputy Chief Minister late Ajit Pawar.
The letter addressed to Chief Minister Fadnavis describes the late leader as a "firm administrator" and an "action-oriented leader" who ruled the hearts of the masses.
"As a long-serving Finance Minister, Ajit Pawar presented the state Budget a record number of times, steering revolutionary changes in regional infrastructure, roadways, metro connectivity and irrigation. He remained a primary pillar for Maharashtra's farmers, driving direct financial relief during agrarian crises and strengthening the state's cooperative banking and sugar sectors," Tupe said.
Tupe further added that the NCP Legislature Party emphasised Pawar's relentless efforts to ensure that state-sponsored welfare schemes reached the grassroots seamlessly.
Terming his sudden passing as "the end of an era", the NCP leadership said that conferring India's second-highest civilian honour posthumously upon 'Ajitdada' would be a matter of immense pride for the entire state. The party has urged the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra to expedite the formal recommendation proposal to the Central government.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I don't know much about Indian politics, but from what I read, Ajit Pawar was a controversial figure. Isn't it odd to push for such a high honor immediately after a tragedy? Feels like a political move.
A true leader lost too soon. Whether you agree with his politics or not, Ajitdada's contributions to Maharashtra's infrastructure and farmers are undeniable. ❤️ The Padma Vibhushan would be a fitting tribute.
I respect the sentiment, but reserved and politically motivated awards lose their meaning. Let's not make it a habit of awarding politicians right after they pass away. The Padma awards should be for genuine service, not for political convenience.
It's interesting how quickly the NCP is pushing for this. But if he really had such a big impact, why not let the nation reflect and then decide? Politics aside, I hope the process is transparent.
Ajit Pawar was a mass leader who understood grassroots issues. His work for farmers and cooperative banks was unmatched. This honor is well-deserved, even if it comes posthumously. RIP Ajitdada 🙏
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