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‘Dadacha Vada’: Ajit Pawar, the 6 am administrator, was known for his presence at Pune project sites and meetings

Whether he was part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) or the Mahayuti, Ajit Pawar remained closely connected to Pune as its guardian minister.

4 min readPuneJan 28, 2026 01:57 PM IST

With full control of the party, only one goal remained: The Chief Minister’s chair. It was a dream he spoke of often, alternating between hope and despair

With Pune being his home district, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s deep connection with the city and its surrounding areas was evident in his early-morning field visits to project sites across Baramati and Pune. Ajit Pawar was often known to arrive at locations well before senior administrative officers, closely reviewing infrastructure works on the ground.

Pawar typically began his day as early as 6 am, reviewing the infrastructure projects and summoning officials and contractors directly to construction sites. Known for his sharp eye for detail, he frequently flagged even minor lapses, stressing that there should be no compromise when it came to public infrastructure.

“This not only helps me to review properly but also ensures that the citizens are not affected due to VIP movement,” he used to say.

Also read | ‘A leader of the people’: PM Modi, Amit Shah, others condole Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s death in Baramati plane crash

Pune’s guardian minister

Irrespective of whether he was part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) or the Mahayuti, the Nationalist Congress Party leader remained closely associated with Pune as its guardian minister.

His contribution to the region’s development has been significant, particularly in Pimpri-Chinchwad, where he is credited with pushing large-scale infrastructure projects, including wider roads and improved civic facilities.

Pawar never held back after noticing poor infrastructure work, and publicly pulled up the project. He always sought clarification from the administration and ensured full support to resolve any hurdles in the work, whether it was acquiring land, raising funds, or obtaining relevant permissions for the projects.

The makeover of Baramati through civic infrastructure projects is mainly attributed to him, as he used to look after the town’s affairs with his uncle, Sharad Pawar.

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Also read | Ajit Pawar (1959-2026): Broke away from uncle Sharad Pawar’s shadow, forged his own path to the top

A reserved public profile

Ajit Pawar was also known for stating that he would do everything possible within the framework of the law and clearly say no where it was not feasible. He avoided making assurances merely to appease people seeking help. This approach was reflected in his recent Maharashtra civic election slogan, ‘Dadacha Vada’ or a brother’s promise, saying he delivers what he promises or doesn’t.

For much of his political career, Pawar maintained a reserved public profile and largely avoided the media despite holding key government positions. However, in recent years, he became more accessible, addressing the media more frequently and responding openly to allegations, including those related to corruption involving him or his family.

Also read | Ajit Pawar and BJP: Ties shaped by power, pragmatism, and unease

Ahead of the Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections, the NCP also worked to recalibrate his public image by hiring a public relations firm as Pawar toured the state extensively.

Pawar never hesitated to acknowledge the good work of political opponents and avoided personal criticism. “I don’t criticise anyone by highlighting their mistakes. I only respond when they start it,” he had remarked recently amid exchanges with local BJP leaders.

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Reacting to his death, BJP leader Ganesh Bidkar said his “sudden demise is a shock to everyone”. “He earned respect even among Opposition leaders through his style of work and efficient public service delivery. No one can fill the void created due to his loss.”

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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