India, Jan. 28 -- The untimely death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Wednesday has left Maharashtra in a state of shock. Mourning the NCP leader's demise, fellow Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that Pawar's death is a "great loss to the state"

"He was a studious, courageous and disciplined leader with a strong command over the administration. He never hesitated to say no to schemes and projects that would have put an unnecessary burden on the state exchequer. He was like an elder brother to me," said Shinde while speaking to reporters on Wednesday.

The Shinde Sena leader further added that he and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will be leaving for Baramati. Follow LIVE updates here

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