MUMBAI: A section of Muslim leaders said secularism lost s strong secular voice in the death of deputy CM Ajit Pawar.Many recalled Pawar’s public assurance to the community at the iftar party he hosted the Islam Gymkhana last year. “At this iftar dinner, he boldly said that he was brother of Muslims and he would not accept anyone intimidating the community,” said Nawab Malik, former minister and a senior leader NCP (Ajit Pawar).Pawar had made this statement amid the tense atmosphere created due to calls to demolish Aurangzeb’s mazar at Khuldabad near Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) and in the aftermath of the Nagpur riots.Congress MLA Amin Patel who knew Pawar for decades said that his commitment to secularism and public service was exemplary.”I knew him very closely and never found him discriminating against anyone. He would work for everyone irrespective of caste and creed. This is a huge loss of Maharashtra,” said Patel.National chairman (minorities department) Syed Jalaluddin said that Pawar never compromised his secular credentials. “His alliance with BJP-led Mahayuti was strategic, not ideological. He remained secular and often demonstrated it with statements and action,” he said.
