Former minister Madhukar Pichad, 84, passed away on Friday at a hospital in Nashik following a prolonged illness.
Pichad, a prominent leader from the tribal community who represented Akole assembly constituency from 1980 to 2009, served as a minister in multiple Congress governments till 1995.
He quit the Congress and joined Sharad Pawar’s NCP in 1999. He also served as the tribal development minister in the Vilasrao Deshmukh-led government.
In 2019, he and his son Vaibhav Pichad, a former MLA, switched loyalty to the BJP.
Following his demise, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Senior BJP leader Madhukarrao Pichad’s passing has caused the loss of a dedicated leader who tirelessly worked for the tribal community.”
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, expressed that the community had lost a great leader who fought for the rights of the tribal society.
“Madhukar Pichad made significant contributions in the tribal areas. He consistently raised the issues of tribal people. He was always dedicated to ensuring employment opportunities for the tribal community,” he said.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in his tribute to Pichad said, “He worked tirelessly for the development of the tribals, as well as for the political and social landscape of Maharashtra.”
NCP SP chief Sharad Pawar tweeted, “My old colleague Madhukarrao Pichad passed away. During his political career, he was instrumental in strengthening the position and voice of the tribal community. His career will always be remembered.”
