Former Rajya Sabha MP Bapusaheb Thite dies

PUNE: Former Rajya Sabha MP Nivrutti Namdev Thite, popularly known as Bapusaheb, died here today after prolong illness.

He was 80.

Bapusaheb was suffering from heart ailment and taken to Joshi Hospital this morning, family members said.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter.

Known as a close associate of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Thite held key positions at various cooperative organisations and started educational institutes in Pune district. He was also instrumental in starting Ranjangaon MIDC in Pune.

A former MLA from Shirur constituency in Pune, who started his political career with Congress, was elected as MP in Rajya Sabha from Baramati constituency in 1994. He later joined the NCP.

Bapusaheb was also the Minister for State Home from 1991-93.

Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar condoled Thite's demise, saying he was a loyal friend and colleague.

"My heartfelt condolences on the demise of a loyal friend, party colleague and a selfless person. May his family and friends gather the strength to come to terms with the loss," Pawar said.