Nasik, Nov 23: A former Congress MP and the prince of the state of Surgana, a tehsil town of Nasik district, Dhairyashilrao Yashwantrao Pawar today died of suffocation due to fire at his residence, family sources said. He was 81. The fire at his bungalow following a short-circuit had gutted furniture and other items, fire brigade sources said.

Popularly known as `daddy', Dhairyashilrao celebrated his 81st birthday yesterday and arrived at his Nasik bungalow from Rajasthan after attending second marriage of his grandson--Udayan Raje Bhonsale (Satara). Pawar was Rajya Sabha member for 24-years continuously since 1954 and was closely associated with late Congress leader Bhausaheb Hiray.

He also made valuable contribution in the district's leading educational institutes --- Maratha Vidya Prasarak Mandal and Mahatma Gandhi Vidya Mandir of which he was the chairperson for couple of years. Pawar, also a sports-lover, especially of cricket, used to open matches, played between the members of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha or other political teams.

Pawar is survived by two sons and a daughter. His funeral would be held tomorrow.

Senior Congressmen and ex-minister Vinayakdada Patil, MP Mane, Gopalrao Gulve, Harishchandra Chavan, NCP city president Dr Vasant Pawar, Surgana's CPM Mla Jiva Pandu Gavit and other political leaders expressed grief over sad demise of Pawar and paid rich tributes to him.

Bureau Report