Pawar served as Deputy Chief Minister under four different governments. His tenure included controversy, notably when he engineered a split in the NCP and joined the BJP-led government.
Speaking to reporters, Shinde lauded the contribution of Pawar, who served as his colleague in different cabinets and was also his deputy when he helmed the government from 2022 to 2024.
Asked about Opposition claims on EVMs, Pawar said he would not comment, adding it was natural to blame them after a defeat though no one raises such questions after a victory.
