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Ramesh Wanjale dead

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

Mr. Wanjale, who entered politics as a sarpanch of Ahire village and went on to become an MLA in 2009 representing the Khadakwasla constituency. Before joining the MNS, he was with the Congress and served as Deputy Chairman of the Pune Zilla Parishad. He is survived by his wife, who is also active in politics and three children.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who attended the funeral, said: “Ramesh Wanjale's death has come as a shock for all of us. He was a true people's representative.” Wanjale was known to be a close associate of Thackeray. Mr. Tahackeray is known to have cancelled his birthday celebration on June 14, to mourn death of Mr. Wanjale's.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said: “He was from a simple family, and understood people well. His personality stood out. May God give his family the strength to bear this loss.” The tall politician took interest in kusti (wrestling) and was an active part of the Warkari saints.

Senior Congress leader Harshwardhan Patil said Mr. Wanjale had an “aggressive personality”. “He was a true leader, and full of energy,” Mr. Patil said.

Soon after he became an MLA, Mr. Wanjale had made it to the headlines for creating chaos in the Assembly, when he protested against Abu Azmi of the Samajwadi Party (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 lived political career, he has carved his 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 could feel the pulse of both the rural and the urban masses. The untimely death is a great loss to the city.”

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Ramesh Wanjale dead

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