Mumbai, July 22: Marking the birth anniversary of the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Shiv Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday paid a heartfelt tribute, describing the occasion as a poignant mix of celebration and sorrow.

He said the day was marked by contrasting emotions, as it celebrated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ birthday while also remembering the late Ajit Pawar, whom he described as the architect of the Mahayuti alliance.

“Today brings joy in one eye and tears in the other. No one can truly fill the void left by Ajitdada. I pray that Deputy Chief Minister Sunetratai finds the strength to carry forward his dream of building a prosperous Maharashtra by continuing the path of development he laid down,” Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said in his message.

Reflecting on Pawar’s distinct leadership style, Shinde highlighted how the late leader served as an inspiration for an entire generation of politicians. He lauded Pawar’s hallmark traits.

“Administrative Command: Exceptional discipline and firm control over governance. Punctuality & Commitment: A tireless dedication to utilizing every moment of the day for public service. Deep Expertise: A thorough understanding of finance, agriculture, and the cooperative sector, visible in his work as Finance Minister,” he stated.

Shinde emphasised that the state budget presented by Pawar to fulfill Mahayuti’s promises remains a cornerstone of inspiration for Maharashtra.

Reflecting on their shared goals, Shinde shared that they had envisioned numerous economic and social milestones for the state before fate unexpectedly took Pawar away. He remarked that actively realising those grand visions for development is the greatest and most authentic homage the coalition can pay him.

The deputy CM paid tribute with poetic lines honouring his memory: “Days will come and go, the wheel of time will turn…But the fragrance of Dada’s memories will forever remain.”

Reaffirming their shared commitment to public welfare and joint development, Shinde expressed lasting gratitude for Ajit Pawar’s immense contribution to Maharashtra.

Earlier, recalling past years filled with joy, warmth, and widespread celebrations, Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar, expressed the pain of adjusting to life without her lifelong partner.

“For so many years, I celebrated your birthday with such joy, enthusiasm, and pride… The home and family would be filled with happiness, showers of blessings all around. But today, observing this very same day as your ‘jayanti,’ my heart breaks completely from within. Even today, my heart refuses to accept this bitter truth, Dada,” she said.

She described the sudden emptiness left in her life following his untimely demise, highlighting how Ajit Pawar stood as her pillar of strength through every stage of life. Addressing her late husband directly, Sunetra Pawar emphasised that while he may no longer be physically present, his political legacy, public service, and strict discipline will remain immortalised.

Mumbai, July 22: The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) on Wednesday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central government, alleging that the Modi administration has entered a period of decline following recent youth-led protests in New Delhi.

In a scathing editorial published in its mouthpiece, ‘Saamana’, the party characterised the police action against protesting youths in the national capital as an act of high-handedness, accusing the ruling administration of using force rather than engaging in dialogue with aggrieved citizens.

“On the streets of Delhi, police were lathi-charging youth, while angry young people quietly stood their ground and absorbed the blows. When protesters are born who say, ‘Hit me more, but I will not move from here’, what harm can dictators do to them? On Monday, the tyranny of the world’s largest democracy was seen on the streets of Delhi. Government violence on India’s land of ‘Buddha’ proved to be a mockery of humanity. Modi calls himself a Vishwaguru. Blind followers consider him the 13th incarnation of Vishnu. However, on the streets of Delhi, they are running a demonic regime that breaks the heads of innocent youth. If those in power do not initiate a dialogue, it seems their rule will not last long,” said the editorial.

The editorial claimed that despite being struck, protesters refused to yield, signalling growing defiance against the administration.

It argued that the administration consistently avoids direct communication with movement leaders, journalists, and affected citizens. It questioned why Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has not been asked to resign in the wake of the ongoing youth discontent, claiming the government fears a domino effect of ministerial resignations.

“In reality, taking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was easy, but PM Modi does not take this resignation. Because after that, a queue of resignations would follow in the Cabinet. At least a dozen ministers who are statues of vices like corruption, looting, and inefficiency would have to resign. Every time, the public will come onto the streets and knock on Modi’s door to demand the resignations of corrupt officials,” noted the editorial.

The editorial highlighted nationwide land and environmental disputes, including ongoing tree-felling protests in Rishikesh and forest clearances in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. It also pointed to farmer agitations across several Maharashtra districts, such as Nashik, Akola, Solapur, Bhandara, and Buldhana, over infrastructure projects, land acquisition, and ring-road construction.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena accused the ruling party of undermining constitutional machinery, asserting that judicial appointments and the Election Commission are heavily influenced by the executive. It also criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over parliamentary proceedings and the absence of a designated Opposition Leader in the state legislature.

Drawing parallels with global student- and youth-led revolutions in countries like Libya, Bangladesh, and Nepal, the editorial warned that a total breakdown in dialogue between rulers and citizens historically leads to civil unrest and the downfall of authoritarian regimes.

“Dialogue is crucial in politics. However, dialogue between the Modi government and the public has ended. For the BJP, the voter has become a purchasable commodity. The ego of Modi — who ruled for 12 years on the formula that elections can be won by buying this commodity — has been reduced to dust by the anger of the youth,” remarked the editorial.

The editorial cautioned that “corrupt and non-responsive regimes are historically dismantled when public patience runs out”.

It concluded by accusing the ruling party of “capturing” democratic institutions, including the judiciary and the Election Commission, while attempting to run a state completely devoid of opposition representation.

Mumbai: A ruckus has erupted once again over the hoisting of Aurangzeb’s portrait at the CJP protest demonstration at Dadar Chetana Bhoomi in Mumbai, which has further escalated the situation, while politics has now started under the guise of Aurangzeb, while the police are investigating the matter. Mumbai Police has intensified its action against those protesting in support of the Delhi Jantar Mantar protest in Maharashtra and Mumbai. So far, about 8 FIRs have been registered against the protesters, of which four FIRs have been registered in Shivaji Park, Chetna Bhoomi, along with one FIR in Marine Drive and Azad Maidan. Now, politics has started in Mumbai over the hoisting of a poster of Aurangzeb (may Allah be pleased with him) during the protest. The police have started an investigation in this matter. Aurangzeb’s picture was hoisted during the protest in Dadar Chetna Bhoomi, which was later removed. However, in this matter, the police are investigating who had included this picture in the protest and what was the purpose behind it. The police have started an investigation in the matter of hoisting Aurangzeb’s picture in Mumbai and are formally finding out who was the one who hoisted this picture and what was the purpose behind it. DCP Mahendra Pandit said that in this matter, through social media, The identity of the accused is being ascertained, along with a case registered for illegally blocking the road and protesting without prior permission. In this case, an investigation is also underway as to why Aurangzeb’s picture was brought and what was the purpose behind it, while politics has started after this incident and the paper leak case has become Aurangzeb’s responsibility. The Home Ministry has ordered the Mumbai Police to investigate this matter and the police are conducting an inquiry into this matter. In the FIRs registered by the police so far, 600 accused have been named.