Feeling as Though I Have Lost an Elder Brother Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Emotional Tribute

Mumbai, Jan 2026 : The news of the accidental demise of the state’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Dada is unbelievable and deeply shocking. He was senior to me in both age and experience. With his passing, I feel as though I have lost my elder brother. Today is a black day for Maharashtra, as we have lost a visionary, outspoken and extremely knowledgeable leader. In the Mahayuti government, he was not just my colleague but also a good friend. His untimely departure is heartbreaking, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said while paying an emotional tribute.

In his condolence message, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde said that Maharashtra knew him as “Dada,” and he truly lived up to that name. He had an exceptional sense of timing. All of us have experienced the speed with which he worked and his decisive nature. I observed many facets of his personality closely, not only as a colleague but also as a friend.

Ajit Dada’s clarity of thought, gentle humour and sharp, witty remarks were traits that everyone admired.

Although our government comprised three parties, decisions were always taken collectively and in unity. From the very beginning, as the state’s Finance Minister, Ajit Dada took decisions with great skill to ensure that development works did not stall and that the state’s financial structure was put on a strong footing. When I was Chief Minister, whether it was the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme or other initiatives, Ajit Dada, as Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, consistently extended his full support to accelerate several infrastructure and development projects across the state.

Maharashtra knew Dada for his frankness and his ability to take firm, on-the-spot decisions. As Finance Minister, he possessed in-depth knowledge of all departments, yet he never crossed the boundaries of decorum. Even while announcing policy decisions, he never ignored anyone. He presented his views clearly and authoritatively. This forthrightness was evident in policy meetings as well as in the legislative assembly.

Rather than indulging in dreamy presentations or superficial assurances, he focused on practical realities. Whenever a new concept was proposed, he would insist on examining it from all angles—its sustainability, future maintenance, public interest, and how many people would truly benefit from it. Because of his firm and decisive style, legislators and young, aspiring ministers in the cabinet were always curious about his work ethic and daily discipline. As a senior leader, he did not hesitate to reprimand when necessary. He firmly believed that public representatives must think deeply, even about small matters, and carefully study how their decisions affect people’s lives. His intent was not to find faults, but to ensure that mistakes were not repeated.

Even the thought that Dada is no longer with us is hard to accept. I offer my heartfelt tribute to him, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said in conclusion.