NCP Legislators Urge CM Fadnavis to Recommend Ajit Pawar for Posthumous Padma Vibhushan
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislators in Mumbai have formally requested that the late former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar be posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour. In a letter dated July 8, 2026, addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the lawmakers urged the state government to make a formal recommendation to the Union government.
The request was initiated on behalf of the party's Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs). The letter was signed and submitted by the NCP chief whip in the Assembly, Chetan Vithal Tupe.
The legislators highlighted the tragic demise of Pawar, who passed away in an air crash in Baramati, located in the Pune district, on January 28. The letter described his sudden passing as an irreparable loss to both the state of Maharashtra and the entire country, marking the end of an era in state politics.
Describing Pawar as an action-oriented leader and an able administrator, the NCP legislators emphasized his decades-long public service. The letter credited the former Deputy Chief Minister, who also headed the NCP, with making significant contributions to Maharashtra's social, economic, and industrial development.
Among his key achievements, the lawmakers highlighted Pawar's tenure as the state's finance minister, pointing to his record number of state budget presentations. The letter also noted his decisive role in shaping policy decisions related to major infrastructure, road development, metro connectivity, and irrigation projects.
Furthermore, the legislators pointed out Pawar's extensive work in strengthening the cooperative sector. They noted his efforts in extending critical financial assistance to farmers during periods of distress and implementing various welfare initiatives across the state. The NCP is currently a constituent of the BJP-led ruling Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra.
