NCP(SP) leader and former Solapur mayor Mahesh Kothe dies of heart attack after holy dip at Maha Kumbh

NCP(SP) supremo Sharad Pawar condoled Kothe's passing on X.

Mumbai: Former Solapur Mayor and NCP (SP) leader Mahesh Kothe passed away following a massive heart attack in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh while attending Maha Kumbh festivities on Tuesday morning.

Kothe (60), passed away some time after he took the holy dip in the Ganga river during the grand celebrations.

Kothe along with some of his friends had gone to Prayagraj for the Kumbh Mela.

A large crowd gathered at Kothe's house in Murarji Peth area of Solapur upon hearing the news to offer their condolences.

The NCP(SP) leader had won the Solapur Municipal Corporation election seven times and also served as its Mayor.

During the split in the NCP, Kothe chose to stay with Pawar.

Condoling his death, NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar said, “The youngest former mayor of Solapur and my old colleague Mahesh Kothe passed away sadly in Prayagraj. Mahesh Kothe had a great influence in the social work and politics of Solapur city. In his death, Solapur city has lost a brave worker. We all share in the grief of the Kothe family. Heartfelt condolences!”

NCP Working President and Baramati MP Supriya Sule said: “The news of the demise of former Mayor of Solapur, our colleague and senior leader in the party, Mahesh Kothe is shocking and very sad. We are all with the Kothe family in this difficult time. Heartfelt tributes to Mahesh Kothe.”

NCP President and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said: “With the demise of former Solapur Mayor Mahesh Kothe, a good personality who was useful to the common man has passed away. He was significantly involved in social work. I express my condolences to the Kothe family. Heartfelt condolences!”

The Maha Kumbh, which is being held after 12 years, started on the banks of Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Monday and will continue till February 26. Around 1.75 crore devotees took a dip at the Sangam on Monday and another 1.38 crore till Tuesday afternoon, according to official estimates.