The Maharashtra government on Wednesday officially included the birth anniversary of late former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Anantrao Pawar in the state’s list of birth anniversaries of national leaders and prominent personalities to be observed in 2026. The decision was formalised through a government circular issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) on July 15, 2026.
According to the government resolution, Ajit Pawar’s birth anniversary will be observed on July 22, 2026. The state has directed government institutions to pay tribute by offering floral garlands to his portrait during commemorative programmes. The celebrations will be conducted across government offices, semi-government institutions, state ministry departments, and educational institutions throughout Maharashtra.
The GAD has instructed divisional commissioners and district collectors to issue necessary guidelines and ensure proper implementation of the tribute programmes within their respective jurisdictions. The directive aims to bring uniformity in the observance of the late leader’s birth anniversary across administrative and educational institutions in the state.
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The decision follows the death of Ajit Pawar earlier this year in January 2026. Pawar, a senior leader with a long political career, served as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister on six occasions and was known for his role in state administration, political affairs, and development initiatives.
Earlier, senior Maharashtra ministers Chhagan Bhujbal and Hasan Mushrif had submitted a representation to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requesting that Ajit Pawar’s birth anniversary be added to the official list of commemorative events. They highlighted his contribution to Maharashtra’s social, political, and developmental sectors and sought formal recognition of his service. The inclusion of July 22 in the state’s official celebration calendar means government and semi-government offices, along with schools and colleges, will now organise programmes in his memory. The move marks official recognition of Ajit Pawar’s political legacy and his role in Maharashtra’s public life.
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