Pune NCP Leader's Heartbreaking Tale of an Unanswered 'Thank You' Call to Ajit Pawar
In a poignant turn of events that underscores the suddenness of tragedy, Nilesh Nikam, the newly appointed leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), has revealed his heartbreaking attempt to thank his party chief Ajit Pawar that would forever remain unfulfilled. This emotional disclosure comes in the wake of the devastating aircraft crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister on Wednesday morning.
The Fateful Morning That Changed Everything
Just one day after receiving the prestigious appointment as NCP leader in the newly elected PMC, Nikam attempted to reach Ajit Pawar at 7 AM to express his gratitude for the responsibility entrusted to him. "I tried to reach him on the phone at 7 am, but his office staff conveyed that he had left for Baramati. 'You try him after he lands in Baramati,' they said," Nikam recounted with visible emotion.
The timing proved tragically significant. Ajit Pawar had already boarded the chartered aircraft from Mumbai to Baramati, a flight that would end in catastrophe during landing at Baramati airport, claiming the lives of Pawar and four others aboard.
A Promise That Can Never Be Fulfilled
"But I could not...and I will never be able to now," Nikam stated, his words heavy with the weight of irreversible loss. The newly appointed leader of the Opposition in PMC learned about the tragic crash from Pune NCP chief Sunil Tingre, a revelation that left him in profound shock.
For Nikam, who had chosen to stay with NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar after the NCP split before eventually joining the Ajit Pawar faction ahead of the PMC elections, this news represents a devastating personal and political blow. "He gave me this responsibility despite the fact that I was re-elected after a gap of 14 years and that I stayed with NCP(SP) after the split," Nikam emphasized, highlighting the significance of Pawar's faith in him.
Political Context and Legacy
The tragedy unfolds against a complex political backdrop. Ajit Pawar, who served as Pune's guardian minister, had spearheaded the election campaign for both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal corporations. His strategic alliance with NCP(SP) against the BJP represented a significant political maneuver in his home district of Pune.
The recent PMC election results saw:
- The BJP emerging as the single largest party with 119 of 165 seats
- The NCP securing second position with 27 seats
- The NCP(SP) winning three seats
Nikam's personal journey adds depth to this narrative. Having served as an NCP corporator for three terms, his re-election after a 14-year gap and subsequent appointment as party leader in PMC represented a significant political comeback, now overshadowed by tragedy.
The Ripple Effect in Maharashtra Politics
This incident illuminates the human dimension behind political relationships and the unpredictable nature of fate. The unanswered phone call symbolizes not just a personal loss for Nikam but represents a broader tragedy that will undoubtedly create significant churn in Maharashtra's political landscape.
As Pune processes this devastating loss, Nikam's story serves as a poignant reminder of how quickly circumstances can change, transforming what should have been a celebratory moment of gratitude into a permanent regret. The political vacuum created by Ajit Pawar's sudden demise will have far-reaching implications for Pune's governance and Maharashtra's political equations in the coming months.
