The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Legislature Party in Maharashtra has requested the state government to nominate the late NCP National President and former Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, for the prestigious Padma Vibhushan (Posthumous) award. The request, made by NCP Chief Whip Chetan Vitthal Tupe (Patil) on behalf of all NCP Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Legislative Council (MLCs), emphasizes Pawar’s significant contributions to the state’s development during his six-term tenure as Deputy Chief Minister. Tupe highlighted Pawar’s role as a “firm administrator” and an “action-oriented leader” who made notable strides in various sectors including infrastructure, roadways, metro connectivity, and irrigation.
The plea for recommending Ajit Pawar for the Padma Vibhushan award comes after his tragic demise in an aircraft accident near Baramati on January 28, 2026. Tupe’s official communication dated July 8, 2026, underscores Pawar’s long-standing service as Finance Minister, where he played a pivotal role in implementing crucial financial measures for farmers and strengthening cooperative banking and sugar sectors in Maharashtra. The NCP Legislature Party also commended Pawar’s efforts in ensuring the effective implementation of state welfare schemes at the grassroots level, portraying his sudden passing as the end of an era.
Addressing reporters, Tupe confirmed the request to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, describing Ajit Pawar as a leader who had a profound impact on the people of Maharashtra. The NCP leadership expressed pride in the potential posthumous conferral of the Padma Vibhushan award on ‘Ajitdada’, highlighting the importance of honoring his legacy. The party has urged the Maharashtra government to promptly forward the recommendation to the Central government for consideration.
