Corporators pay tributes to Ajit Pawar, Kalmadi

Pune: Newly elected corporators across party lines on Monday paid tributes to former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and former city MP Suresh Kalmadi in a special general body meeting held at the PMC head office.Describing both leaders as "visionary", the corporators said they worked relentlessly for the city's development for the past three decades. The absence of both the leaders would be felt in the daily functioning of the civic body, they said.More than 30 corporators spoke at the condolence meeting, which continued for over three hours.To express gratitude towards their leader, many NCP corporators demanded to name the recently completed infrastructure projects after Ajit Pawar. NCP's Nilesh Nikam said Ajit Pawar was known for his aggressive style of functioning and punctuality. New corporators and party workers can learn many things from him.Mayor Manjusha Nagpure said she wanted to work with Ajit Pawar, but unfortunately it was not possible now. She said leaders like Ajit Pawar and Suresh Kalmadi took decisions in favour of the city's progress. Congress member Chandrakant Kadam said, "Ajit Pawar had a direct connection with the people. He had control over the administration and was a taskmaster. The infrastructure created by him will help sportspersons for years to come."Congress city unit chief Arvind Shinde said Kalmadi brought many projects to the city. He pushed Pune onto the international map. The corporators also paid tributes to former mayor Shantial Suratwala and veteran leader Baba Adhav.