Ajit Pawar, the influential Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, passed away tragically in a plane crash on January 28, 2026, at the age of 56. Known for his dominant presence in Maharashtra’s political arena, Pawar’s sudden death in a tragic accident near Baramati has left the state in shock, with tributes pouring in from all political corners. His life and career, marked by sharp political maneuvering, power struggles, and an undeniable connection to Maharashtra’s farming community, was filled with triumphs and controversies alike.
Early Life and Political Entry
Ajit Pawar, the nephew of NCP founder Sharad Pawar, was born into one of Maharashtra’s most influential political families. His early exposure to politics came naturally, as his family’s political legacy was one of power and influence. He first entered the political scene in the 1990s, representing the Baramati constituency in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
Ajit Pawar quickly became a key figure in Maharashtra politics, drawing on his family’s legacy and his own political instincts. Over the years, he became the face of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the state, often seen as the driving force behind the party’s rural-centric policies. His focus on agricultural reforms, rural development, and infrastructure projects earned him a reputation as a man of the people, particularly in rural Maharashtra.
Climbing the Political Ladder
By 1999, Pawar’s political influence was cemented when he was appointed as the state’s Water Resources Minister, a role he held for over a decade. Under his leadership, Maharashtra undertook several large-scale irrigation projects, although these efforts were marred by criticism of inefficiency and corruption. Despite the controversies, Pawar’s grip over the state’s political landscape grew stronger with each passing year.
In 2010, Ajit Pawar’s rise to the position of Deputy Chief Minister marked a turning point in his career. He became the second-most powerful figure in Maharashtra’s government, alongside his uncle Sharad Pawar, the NCP’s stalwart leader. With this rise, Pawar’s power only expanded, as he became a key architect of several government policies, especially those that affected Maharashtra’s agricultural and infrastructure sectors.
The Political Turbulence
Ajit Pawar’s political career was also defined by controversies and moments of turmoil. In 2014, he briefly served as the Deputy Chief Minister before being forced to resign amid allegations of corruption related to irrigation projects. His swift return to the same position in 2019, following the state elections, was seen as a testament to his resilience and political acumen.
However, Pawar’s political journey was not without its challenges. In 2019, Ajit Pawar shocked the political world by briefly aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to form a government, a move that led to his brief stint as the Deputy Chief Minister in an alliance that was short-lived. His decision to switch allegiances caused a major rift in the NCP, but Pawar’s political survival instincts kept him relevant, even after the alliance collapsed.
Despite the controversies, Ajit Pawar remained a central figure in Maharashtra’s political drama, often in the midst of power struggles that shaped the state’s governance.
Legacy and Political Influence
Ajit Pawar’s legacy, though complex, remains one of significant influence. His role in shaping Maharashtra’s political and economic landscape is undeniable. He was often regarded as the key political figure responsible for the NCP’s hold over rural Maharashtra. His policy-making in sectors like agriculture and infrastructure continues to impact the state even after his passing.
His political journey also highlighted the deep factionalism within the NCP and the Pawar family, where loyalty and rivalry were often blurred. Pawar was a master of political strategy, consistently leveraging his familial connections, political alliances, and rural support base to stay at the top of Maharashtra’s political hierarchy.
Tragic End to a Remarkable Journey
Ajit Pawar’s untimely death in the plane crash marks the end of an era in Maharashtra politics. His sudden passing has left a gaping hole in the state’s leadership, and questions loom over who will step into the power vacuum he leaves behind. While his political career was far from straightforward, Ajit Pawar’s contributions to Maharashtra’s development, particularly in the rural and agricultural sectors, remain part of his lasting legacy.
Maharashtra’s political community and the public now reflect on a life filled with both admiration and controversy. His death, while sudden and tragic, has only amplified his presence in the history of the state’s politics.
