Staunch Congressman, administrator but controversial- Adik

Mumbai, Aug 30 (UNI) Ramrao Adik, the staunch Congressman and an able administrator, was always considered as the possible Chief Ministerial candidate in the state but could never make it to the coveted post.

Born on December 24, 1927 in a small village of Srirampur taluka in Ahmednagar district, the Arts and Law graduate went on to become State's Advocate General. Born in farmers family with four brothers and a sister, Ramrao was the eldest.

His legislative career began in 1978, when he was made the member of Legislative Council, late Vasantdada Patil immediately inducted him in his cabinet as the Minister of State for Law and Judiciary.

After that he was even Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) Chief.

Later, he was inducted in the ministries of Antule and Bhosale also. However, the most testing tough time of his political career came in 1984 when he was Deputy Chief Minister in late Vasantdada Patil government. His alleged misbehaviour with an air hostess while flying to Germany, became so controversial that he had to resign from the cabinet and for four years he remained in political exile.

However, the bespectacled, safari clad ever smiling Adik again bounced back as in number two position when Sharad Pawar became the Chief Minister in June 1988 and continued holding the portfolio till 1995.

Known for his administrative skill, he handled all important portfolios as finance, planning, industry, law and judiciary.

He is survived by wife, two sons and a daughter, who is also a former MLA and wife of Jambuwantrao Dhote.

The cremation will take place this evening at Shivaji Park crematorium, the family sources said. Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar is expected to attend the same.

State, central and political leaders from Maharashtra and Supreme court and high court judges have condoled the death of late Adik.

UNI