The Hindu : National : MNS MLA dies of heart attack

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National

MNS MLA dies of heart attack

Staff Reporter

Pune: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) MLA Ramesh Wanjale died at the Jehangir Hospital here on Friday night after a heart attack. He was 45. Hundreds of supporters gathered for his funeral on Saturday afternoon, remembering him as a people's politician. He was known fondly as the ‘gold man' because of his habit of sporting gold jewellery.

Mr. Wanjale, who entered politics as the sarpanch of Ahire village, became an MLA in 2009, representing the Khadakwasla constituency. Before joining the MNS, he was a part of the Congress party, and served as the deputy chairman of the Pune zilla parishad. He is survived by his wife, who is also active in politics, and three children.

‘Rude shock'

MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who attended the funeral with several other party leaders, said, “Ramesh Wanjale's death has come as a rude shock for all of us. He was a true people's representative.” Mr. Thackeray cancelled his birthday celebration on June 14, in mourning.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said, “He was from a simple family, and understood people well. May God give his family the strength to bear this loss.”

Soon after he became MLA, Mr. Wanjale made it to the headlines when he protested against Abu Azmi of the SP taking the oath in Hindi instead of Marathi.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said: “We have lost a true social worker. In his short political career, he has carved a place in people's hearts. He will be remembered as a leader who tried to understand people's issues.”

Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe said: “He understood the issues in his constituency, and was very hard-working. He felt the pulse of both the rural and the urban masses. The untimely death is a great loss to the city.”

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