28 January 2026: An early morning airplane crash which claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar spread the shockwave across Maharashtra. Leaders across party lines expressed deep grief, describing his death as a major loss to Maharashtra’s political leadership.
Born on July 22, 1959, Ajit Anantrao Pawar was a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and a member of the influential Pawar political family. He was the nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar. Pawar began his political journey through local governance and the cooperative movement in Pune district.
Ajit Pawar won his first election in a 1991 by-election from Baramati and went on to retain the constituency for seven consecutive terms. His long association with Baramati made him one of the most electorally successful leaders in Maharashtra.
During his career, Ajit Pawar handled several important portfolios including Water Resources, Agriculture, Energy, and Finance. He was widely seen as a strong administrator and played a central role in shaping Maharashtra’s budgets and development planning.
Ajit Pawar served as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on several occasions. His most recent term began in December 2024 in the Devendra Fadnavis–Eknath Shinde-led government. He was among the longest-serving leaders to hold the post.
In 2023, Pawar broke away from the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the NCP and joined the BJP–Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) alliance. The move significantly reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape and reinforced his image as a key coalition strategist.
Known as a political survivour, Ajit Pawar remained influential for over three decades. While his career included controversies and criticism, he retained strong political support and played a decisive role in government formation and policy-making.
Ajit Pawar’s untimely death marks the end of a significant chapter in Maharashtra politics. His influence on governance, finance, and coalition politics leaves behind a lasting legacy.
