Baba Adhav made his life’s mission to fight for the weaker, unorganised sections of society

He had age-related complications and was admitted to Poona hospital on November 24. He had fever and cough, and had developed pneumonia, Dr Vaidya said. This is the fourth time he had developed pneumonia in the past few years . He passed away late Monday evening, Dr Vaidya said.

The mortal remains of Baba Adhav will be kept at Hamal Bhavan Market Yard at 10 am on Tuesday for people to pay their tributes. The last rites will be performed around 4 pm.

Several autorickshaw and hawkers’ unions are likely to keep their businesses closed on Tuesday as a mark of respect to Baba Adhav.

Politicians from across the spectrum paid their tributes to Baba Adhav.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in his condolence message, wrote, “The news of the demise of senior social worker Baba Adhav is very sad. He continuously fought for the rights of the deprived and unorganised sections. He worked as their pillar. He formed an organisation to provide justice to the porters, rickshaw pullers, and construction workers. He implemented many initiatives like Hamal Panchayat, Ek Gaon-Ek Panwatha. His fight against social evils will always be remembered.”

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar wrote, “The news of the demise of senior social worker Baba Adhav, a symbol of selflessness, longing and utmost honesty in social work, is very sad. The great struggler who fought day and night for the rights of the workers, the toilers, the weak and the deprived sections of society, passed away today. I pay a heartfelt tribute to Baba Adhav. He worked to create a ray of hope in the lives of lakhs of working people through various organisations like Hamal Panchayat, Rickshaw Panchayat, Paper and Glass Collectors’ Association.”

In his condolence message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Baba Adhavji will be remembered for his efforts to serve society through various causes, notably empowering the marginalised and furthering the labour welfare. Pained by his passing away. My thoughts are with his family and admirers.”

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said, “Baba Adhav was the strong pillar of social justice. He dedicated his entire life fighting for the rights of the marginalised, the exploited. labourers. The flame of struggle ignited by Adhav in Pune became a torch for social justice movements across the country.”

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshwardhan Sapkal wrote on X, “Carrying the torch of the truth-seeking tradition in his hand, Dr Baba Adhav, who fought against injustice in society and fought for the rights of the underprivileged throughout his life, passed away today. The progressive movement of Maharashtra has lost a major guide today. Heartfelt tribute to this fighting personality!”

“Baba fought all his life for bringing social change. A change in everyone was equal and had access to equal opportunities. He was a socialist but joined politics to bring in the desired change. He had started a Hamal Panchayat for the autorickshaw drivers, hamals and mathadi workers,” said Congress leader Gopal Tiwari.

Last week, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar had met Baba Adhav in the hospital and enquired about his health. Party sources said Pawar and Adhav had close relations and would often hold discussions on a range of issues affecting the people.

Adhav did not mince words when calling a spade a spade. When the NCP split two years back with Ajit Pawar walking out with 40 MLAs, he had warned people to keep themselves aware of the difficult period. “Today’s politics is only meant for getting power and not for the welfare of the masses. People who are in one party by the evening are in another party. Power matters for them, party, ideology and principles have no meaning for them…When my children call me up from abroad, asking me what is happening in India…I tell them whatever is happening is happening only for the sake of power,” Adhav had said.

Tiwari said after the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, Adhav had expressed doubts about the EVMs and had undertaken a fast. ”We need to save our democracy,” he said while undertaking the fast which turned out be his last campaign

Paying his condolences, Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol said, “Baba Adhav’s death is a colossal loss for Puneites. He was instrumental in issuing identity cards for Pune’s unorganised labourers, ensuring social security, pension and implementing welfare schemes. When I was the corporator, we used to have discussions on several issues. He provided valuable guidance to me. As a Pune MP, I pay my condolences to him.”