Former Tribal Development Minister Madhukarrao Pichad Cremated with State Honors

Cultured personality who fought for the rights of the underprivileged is no more – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pays tribute

Shirdi – Former Tribal Development Minister Madhukarrao Pichad was cremated with full state honors in the premises of Madhukarrao Pichad Secondary and Higher Secondary School at Rajur in Akole Taluka. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid his last respects to the mortal remains of Pichad at his residence in Rajur and expressed heartfelt condolences. He also offered solace to the bereaved family.

On this occasion, several dignitaries, including MLA Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, MLA Dilip Walse Patil, MLA Kiran Lahamte, District Collector Siddharth Salimath, Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ola, Additional District Collector Balasaheb Kolekar, Hemlata Pichad, Vaibhav Pichad, and Hemant Pichad, were present.

Highlighting the irreparable loss, CM Fadnavis remarked that Madhukarrao Pichad’s demise is a deeply saddening event. He emphasized that Pichad was a relentless advocate for the upliftment of the Dalit and tribal communities in Maharashtra, striving to spread education among the underprivileged and resolve issues surrounding tribal forest lands. Fadnavis lauded his contributions not just as a politician but also as a social reformer who tirelessly worked for tribal rights.

He recalled Pichad’s pivotal role in restarting the stalled Nilwande Dam project, which brought water to farmers across a 100-kilometer radius. Pichad also championed renaming the Bhandardara (Nilwande) Dam after the great freedom fighter Raghoji Bhangare. Known for his soft-spoken nature, erudition, and eloquence, Pichad maintained extensive knowledge and connections across varied domains. “Maharashtra has lost a cultured personality who fought for the rights of the underprivileged,” Fadnavis expressed, conveying his profound grief.

Cremation with State Honors

The mortal remains of Madhukarrao Pichad were cremated with state honors in the school premises named after him. On behalf of the administration, District Collector Salimath laid a wreath and paid floral tributes. The police offered a gun salute in his honor. Prominent attendees included MP Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Hemant Savara, Rajabhau Waje, MLA Narhari Zirwal, Satyajit Tambe, and former minister Balasaheb Thorat, along with numerous political and social leaders.