In a tragic turn of events, Pune has lost two of its most dynamic leaders within a span of just three weeks. The recent passing of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati, following the demise of Congress leader Suresh Kalmadi on January 6 due to a prolonged illness, has left the city reeling from the loss of key figures who played pivotal roles in its transformation.
A Dual Blow to Pune's Leadership
Ajit Pawar, a senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and guardian minister of Pune, met with a fatal accident on Wednesday, exactly three weeks after Suresh Kalmadi's death. Both leaders were instrumental in driving Pune's development through major government infrastructure projects, despite their political rivalries. A senior Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officer expressed deep sorrow, stating, "It is unfortunate that two big personalities who made tremendous contributions to the development of Pune have died within a gap of three weeks. Ajit Pawar's death is very painful."
Legacy of Infrastructure and Governance
Ajit Pawar had a long-standing influence on Pune's growth, having proven his mettle through development work in the industrial town of Pimpri Chinchwad before 2007. He spearheaded initiatives such as wide roads and other infrastructure projects, and under his leadership, the NCP took control of the PMC from the Congress in 2007. Notably, he continued and advanced projects started during the Congress tenure, emphasizing planned development in rapidly urbanizing suburbs.
Key contributions by Ajit Pawar include:
- Pushing for flyover projects to ease traffic congestion.
- Supporting the strengthening of the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited bus service.
- Tracking the under-construction Ring Road project by Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).
- Approving road infrastructure projects for industrial towns like Hinjewadi, Chakan, and Shirur.
- Advocating for water management projects, including recycling wastewater for agricultural use and efforts to draw water from Mulshi Dam.
- Proposing the formation of additional municipal corporations in Chakan and Uruli Kanchan for better civic services.
Suresh Kalmadi's Enduring Impact
Suresh Kalmadi, while in control of the PMC during Congress rule, secured central funding for critical projects. His legacy includes:
- Widening and concretising roads during the Commonwealth Youth Games.
- Introducing the Bus Rapid Transit System for efficient public transport.
- Proposing the Pune Metro, later implemented under BJP rule.
- Securing funding to improve the Mula and Mutha rivers.
Union minister and former Pune mayor Murlidhar Mohol recalled, "I came in touch with Ajit Pawar during my tenure as Pune mayor. He kept aside politics and took steps to control the situation during the COVID-19 pandemic. He always took me into confidence while making decisions for the city." Similarly, NCP(SP) leader Vandana Chavan, a former mayor during Congress rule, noted, "Ajit Pawar's death has come as a shock. It feels like we have lost a guardian who always made decisions in the interest of the state."
Looking Ahead Amidst Loss
The deaths of Ajit Pawar and Suresh Kalmadi mark a significant moment in Pune's history, as the city grapples with the void left by these architects of its modern development. Their collaborative and competitive efforts over the decades have laid a strong foundation for Pune's infrastructure, from transport systems to water management, ensuring the city's growth into a major urban hub. As Pune moves forward, the legacy of these leaders will continue to influence its trajectory, reminding residents of their unwavering commitment to progress and public service.
