PUNE, June 5 -- Former Maharashtra minister and six-time Congress MLA Anantrao Thopte passed away at a private hospital in Pune on Thursday. He was 93. A veteran politician from Pune district, Thopte remained an influential figure in state politics for several decades. His son Sangram Thopte said, "My father had been undergoing treatment at a private hospital for the past month. He passed away on Thursday due to age-related ailments." Thopte represented the Bhor Assembly constituency six times and was known for his independent political standing. For much of his political career, he was considered a rival of senior leader Sharad Pawar in Pune district politics. Along with late Congress leader Ramkrishna More, Thopte played a key role in shaping the political landscape of Pune district for several years. He served as the district guardian minister of Pune for nearly 13 years and held important portfolios, including education and animal husbandry, in various Congress-led governments. Thopte was also considered a contender for the chief minister's post in Maharashtra. However, his political fortunes suffered a setback when he lost the Assembly election in 1999. Leaders from across party lines condoled his demise and remembered his long contribution to public life and the development of Pune district. Deputy Chief minister Sunetra Pawar said, "With the passing of Anantrao Thopte, Maharashtra has lost a cultured political leader."...