The Maharashtra government has officially included the birth anniversary of the late former Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Anantrao Pawar, in the state’s list of national heroes and personalities to be celebrated in 2026. This decision was confirmed through a government circular issued by the General Administration Department on July 15, 2026. The state will honor the late leader’s birth anniversary on July 22, 2026, with the tradition of offering floral garlands to his portrait in public institutions.
The government resolution mandates that commemorative programs be conducted in all state ministry departments, administrative offices, government, and semi-government offices in Maharashtra, as well as in state schools and colleges. The General Administration Department has instructed Divisional Commissioners and District Collectors to provide guidelines and oversee the execution of these tribute events within their jurisdictions. This directive follows the passing of Ajit Pawar earlier in January 2026, after serving as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister for six terms, leaving behind a remarkable political legacy in the state.
Senior ministers Chagan Bhujbal and Hasan Mushrif recently appealed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to include Ajit Pawar’s birth anniversary in the official list of commemorative programs in government offices. They highlighted Ajit Pawar’s significant contributions to Maharashtra’s social, political, and developmental landscape, emphasizing his dedicated service to the people and his crucial role in the state’s advancement. The ministers urged the government to officially observe July 22 as Ajit Pawar’s birth anniversary for 2026 and requested the Chief Minister to promptly issue a revised circular for government and semi-government offices, schools, and colleges to commemorate the occasion accordingly.
