ZP and Panchayat Samiti Elections | 'Fit tribute to Ajit': Rohit Pawar tells voters to support Ajit's ideology

3 minutes of readingPuneFebruary 7, 2026 08:50 am IST

As the NCP-NCP(SP) alliance called off its election campaign for the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections following the demise of Ajit Pawar, NCP(SP) leader and nephew of late deputy chief minister Rohit Pawar appealed to voters, saying now was the right time to cooperate in supporting the late leader’s ideology and carry forward his legacy in the elections.

Earlier, the NCP released a video of Ajit Pawar recorded just before his death in which he appealed to voters to elect NCP candidates as the party was always committed to the development of rural areas and the election of the party candidate would enable it to carry out this development by providing civic services using the latest technology. “The video of NCP chief Ajit Pawar for the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti polls was recorded on January 24 at his official residence in Devgiri in Bombay. The video is for votes and media. “It is an original video,” said NCP leader Anand Paranjpe.

Elections to 12 zila parishads and Panchayat Samitis were scheduled for February 5, but were later postponed Ajit Pawar’s death. The elections are now scheduled for February 7 and the results will be announced on February 9.

At the insistence of Ajit Pawar, the NCP and the NCP (SP) had forged an alliance ahead of the ongoing civic elections and Ajit Pawar himself led the campaign to maintain the NCP’s political control in rural Maharashtra. Both NCPs had decided to compete on the party symbol, the clock, to avoid confusion among voters as the BJP had posed a tough challenge to the party.

In a tweet, Rohit Pawar said, “It was for the election campaign… that Ajit Pawar was traveling when his plane crashed and we lost him. Everyone is aware that due to this sad incident, the Pawar family, despite advance planning, could not conduct an election campaign for any of our candidates in the elections.”

“Therefore, it is a request to all voters Zila Parishads where elections are scheduled “Consider this an appropriate time to cooperate in supporting the ideology of Ajit Pawar by remembering him and it will be a true tribute to the late leader by carrying forward his legacy of thoughts,” he said.

The PCN and the PCN (SP) had declared that they would not carry out an electoral campaign through rallies or meetings. Candidates were only urged to distribute pamphlets to voters at their doorsteps to seek their votes.

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Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis He had also declared that he would not participate in the election campaign of the BJP or its alliance partner’s candidates, citing Ajit’s death. The BJP has also decided that it will not celebrate its victory in the election of mayors and deputy mayors in various municipal corporations in the state.

“There will be no celebration of the victory of the BJP candidate for the post of mayor and deputy mayor in the Pune civic body,” said city BJP chief Dheeraj Ghate.

Ajay Jadhav is assistant editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With more than 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance and sustainability. Professional Experience Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune office, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He has a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Shocking reports: You are credited with articles based on research on conservation staff (waste workers) who influenced national policy to improve working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-level infrastructure (such as helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic services such as schools in his home districts. Personal Interests: An avid hiker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in outdoor activities often influences his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Your reports at the end of 2025 have been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 civic polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city’s infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) “Not friendly, but a bitter fight looms between BJP and NCP over PMC, PCMC” (22) December 2025): A detailed look at Intense rivalry between Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. “Pune civic polls: Big blow for NCP and NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP” (December 20, 2025): Report on poaching and high-profile party changes ahead of elections. “Ajit Pawar’s NCP continues dominance in Pune, wins 10 out of 17 local bodies” (December 21, 2025): Analysis of local self-government body election results as precursors to major civic polls. 2. Infrastructure and Urban Development “Looking ahead in 2026: Pune will see inauguration of long-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route” (December 22, 2025) – An “insights” article on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to be completed by March 2026. “Pune construction: PMC to build double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha river” (18 December 2025) 2025): details a major project aimed at facilitating traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. “Condition of Pune-Kolhapur road to improve in a year: Gadkari” (December 4, 2025): Report on Union Minister’s assurance regarding one of the most critical transport corridors in the state. 3. Civic Governance and Environment “Install sensors and LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC for builders” (December 16, 2025) – A continuation of the “Breathless Pune” series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real time. “Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters” (December 16, 2025): Tracking administrative efforts to clean up voter lists ahead of 2026 elections. Signature style Ajay Jadhav is known for his accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level politics and the ‘ground zero’ reality of Pune residents. It is particularly focused on sustainable development, ensuring that as Pune becomes a ‘Bharat Mandapam’ style destination (referring to its report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape …Read more

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