Thane: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) held its first General Body meeting in nearly four years on Friday, only for proceedings to be adjourned shortly after they began, following the death of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar.The civic body operated under administrative rule since the tenure of its elected corporators expired. Friday’s session marked the first formal assembly of newly elected representatives, but business was swiftly set aside in deference to the occasion. The meeting opened with a condolence motion, during which members from across party lines paid tribute to Pawar, citing his contributions to Maharashtra’s development and his ties to Thane’s growth. A two-minute silence was observed before the House was adjourned for the day as a mark of respect, with all agenda items postponed.
NCP group leader Najib Mulla grew visibly emotional as he recalled his personal association with the late deputy chief minister, speaking about their final meeting, Pawar’s mentorship, and his well-known discipline of beginning work early each morning. Shiv Sena group leader Pawan Kadam described the news as deeply saddening, while BJP group leader Mukesh Mokashi extended condolences and underscored Pawar’s administrative capabilities. NCP (SP) leader Ashraf Shanu Pathan called on the mayor to send a formal representation to the state govt seeking a thorough inquiry into the circumstances of the accident and fixing accountability where warranted. Corporators from AIMIM echoed the demand for a detailed probe and offered support to Pawar’s family. Shinde faction corporators Vikas Repale and Ram Repale also shared their experiences of working alongside Pawar during elections. Following tributes from several senior members, the House was adjourned, with all scheduled agenda items to be taken up at a later date.
