Mumbai, Aug 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule shared a poignant social media tribute dedicated to her late cousin and former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan on Friday.
Marking the first Rakhi festival seven months after his tragic demise in an aircraft crash in Baramati on January 28 Sule’s moving note on social media highlighted the enduring personal warmth and familial bond that defied political divides in the NCP.
Posting an emotional tribute on X and Instagram, Sule expressed her profound grief over the sudden loss of her brother, affectionately known as "Dada".
"Today is Raksha Bandhan... but this time, you're not with us, and this realisation is making my heart deeply restless," Sule wrote in Marathi. "That horrific morning seven months ago and your sudden departure... even today, I can't bring myself to believe it."
Recalling their shared memories, she emphasised that despite political shifts, their personal relationship remained rooted in strong affection and mutual respect.
"From childhood, growing up together, our fights, the love we shared, and the pride we felt in one another—these were the foundation of our bond," the post read.
"Even now, it feels like you'll suddenly appear from somewhere, let me tie the rakhi on you, chat and laugh with your sisters... The void created by your absence can never be filled. Wherever you are, may your love and blessings always remain by my side," she stated.
The tribute comes seven months after the tragedy in January this year, when a charter aircraft carrying Ajit Pawar crashed while approaching Baramati Airport amid poor visibility, killing all five people on board.
The incident sent shockwaves across the country, particularly in Maharashtra, prompting three days of state mourning and tributes from leaders across party lines. Despite the political split in the NCP that placed the two leaders in opposing factions, Ajit Pawar and Supriya Sule continued to share a close personal bond, reflected in their interactions during festivals such as Raksha Bandhan and Bhau Beej.
Similarly, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and late Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, said on X, "May this sacred thread of love, trust, and affection remain eternally strong in the bond with the people, just as it does in the brother-sister relationship. I will always remain steadfastly committed to the development of Maharashtra, giving utmost priority to the trust of the party’s family of workers, farmer brethren, and the entire populace."
She further stated, "I stand firmly by my sisters for their honour, safety, happiness, and prosperity. Heartfelt wishes on Raksha Bandhan!"
Her post is attached with photo of late Ajit Pawar, party symbol clock and the Rakhi.
Across Baramati and Maharashtra, supporters and political leaders paid silent homage to the late leader while celebrating the sacred festival of brotherly love.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also expressed his wishes on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
He said, "Heartfelt Raksha Bandhan wishes to my darling sisters!"
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in his message said, "The love and trust of a brother for his sister. Preserve this bond as delicate as silk. Heartfelt wishes to all on Raksha Bandhan."
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sushama Andhare shared greetings praising the supportive role of brothers, reiterating the commitment to protecting the self-respect and rights of women in Maharashtra. She has uploaded a photo while tying Rakhi to party chief Uddhav Thackeray.
Maharashtra Minister of Women and Child Welfare Aditi Tatkare in her greetings said, "The bond of siblings, trust, and love! May the affectionate ties nurtured by the silken thread of Rakhi remain eternally strong throughout life. 'Raksha Bandhan' is the joyous celebration of the boundless love, protection, and tenderness between brothers and sisters! Heartfelt wishes to all brothers and sisters in Maharashtra on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan!"
The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshwardhan Sapkal said, "Salute to the unbreakable bond of love, affection, and protectiveness between brother and sister! Heartfelt wishes to everyone on Raksha Bandhan!"
Source: IANS
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