Pune: Ajit Pawar, who began his political career as an MP from Baramati in 1991, maintained a firm grip on the politics and administration of Pune for decades. As the district guardian minister on multiple occasions, he became the face of city politics following the exit of the then-dominant Congress stalwart, Suresh Kalmadi. Under his leadership, NCP (undivided) ruled the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad civic bodies during the 2000s and early 2010s. His supporters credit him with fast-tracking major transport initiatives such as Pune Metro, and construction of numerous flyovers and tunnels designed to ease traffic congestion — the region’s most pressing challenge. Furthermore, through projects like the Bhama Askhed Dam and various irrigation schemes, he sought to address the persistent issue of water scarcity in urban areas.He was consistently hailed for large-scale infrastructure projects and road networks in Pimpri Chinchwad. He single-handedly led the affairs of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) until BJP was elected to power in the 2017 election. In the run-up to the PCMC poll on Jan 15, Ajit Pawar unveiled a roadmap for Pimpri Chinchwad, promising to transform it into a model of urban infrastructure and civic efficiency. In a joint manifesto released with NCP (SP) on Jan 10, he pledged to resolve the long-standing water crisis by ensuring daily supply. During campaigning for both civic bodies, he promised free Metro and PMPML bus rides, property tax waiver for small homes, and setting up of 100 neighbourhood clinics. His recent initiatives, including the red zone area resolution and the Hinjewadi-Chakan industrial corridor expansion, were seen as crucial for the growth of the areas.His supporters said Ajit Pawar’s vision for Pimpri Chinchwad was anchored in a dual-track strategy for water security and mass transit expansion designed to keep pace with its rapid industrial growth. The project, Bhama Askhed phase-2, will inject an additional 168 MLD of water into the supply lines. In parallel, the revival of the Pavana Dam-to-Nigdi closed pipeline is now a Rs1,100 crore priority. It aims to eliminate reliance on the “tanker mafia” and modernise distribution through SCADA monitoring systems. The roadmap for the overhaul of transportation included a 35-40 km Metro extension to Chakan and a pioneering proposal for fare-free public transport to reduce urban congestion. He also led a massive scale-up of urban infrastructure and a strategic shift towards decentralised governance. As guardian minister, he fast-tracked the Rs 9,897 crore Pune Metro phase 2 proposal. He sanctioned critical connectivity projects, including the Rs 7,515 crore elevated highway to Shirur and the strategic MSRDC ring road. His environmental agenda focused on the Mula-Mutha Riverfront Development, with the first phase in Sangamwadi set to open soon, his colleagues said.According to party workers, beyond physical works, Ajit Pawar reimagined Pune’s administrative future by proposing three new municipal corporations for its expanding suburbs. These efforts were part of a broader “growth hub” blueprint aimed at positioning Pune as a national leader in AI and electric vehicle manufacturing, with a target of creating 18 lakh jobs by 2030.“We are speechless. His demise is unbelievable. The vacuum cannot be filled,” said Pradip Deshmukh, a senior NCP member.Ajit Pawar was also instrumental in executing development projects in his hometown Baramati. “Ajit Pawar used to spend at least one day a week in Baramati. He used to start the inspection work early morning, around 6am. He placed Baramati town on the national map by executing many path-breaking projects,” a supporter from Baramati said.
