Mumbai, Jan. 28 -- Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday condoled the demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, saying the state has lost a "steadfast leader and an excellent colleague."

Thackeray said that the two had developed a "special bond as excellent colleagues," and praised Pawar's open-hearted nature. Even after Pawar chose a different path in politics, Thackeray said, he "did not let our relationship break."

In a post on X, Thackeray said, "I have lost a steadfast leader and an excellent colleague from my cabinet. When I was the Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar was the Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister. He was an extremely disciplined leader with a firm grip on his department and a deep understan...