By Sitaram Mewati – Mumbai
Ajit Anantrao Pawar, Maharashtra’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister and a central figure in the state’s politics for over four decades, died tragically in a plane crash near Baramati in Pune district. The chartered Learjet 45, which was flying from Mumbai for a local election campaign, caught fire during landing, killing Pawar and all four others on board.
Born on 22 July 1959 in Baramati, Ajit Pawar hailed from the influential Pawar political family. The nephew of Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), he entered politics at a young age and quickly established a reputation as a pragmatic, results-oriented leader. Known affectionately as “Dada,” Pawar was recognised for his administrative skill, strategic thinking, and ability to bridge urban and rural political dynamics.
Over the course of his career, Pawar served as Deputy Chief Minister six times under multiple administrations, including those led by Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde. While he never assumed the post of Chief Minister, his influence in Maharashtra’s governance was profound, shaping legislation, government formations, and coalition strategies. His leadership extended across key portfolios, including finance, agriculture, and water resources, where his decisions left a lasting impact on state policy.
Pawar also led his own faction of the NCP in later years, consolidating support in both rural strongholds and urban constituencies. Analysts note that his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, often balancing multiple alliances and rivalries, was a testament to his political acumen and experience. Beyond politics, Pawar was respected for his accessibility and grassroots connect. His constituency of Baramati became a model for development projects, with emphasis on agriculture, infrastructure, and social welfare.
Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy CM, who passed away in a plane crash.
In the wake of his death, the Governor of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, offered tribute to the Deputy Chief Minister. At a condolence meeting held at Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, the Governor observed two minutes’ silence and paid homage to the late Ajit Pawar, in the presence of officers, staff, and police personnel. In a condolence message, the Governor said: “I was deeply saddened by the untimely demise of the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Ajit Pawar ji in a plane crash near Baramati. I pay my respects to Shri Ajit Pawar Ji and convey my heartfelt condolences to all the members of the bereaved family. Om Shanti.”
The Government of Maharashtra has declared three days of state mourning as a mark of respect, and the National Flag at Maharashtra Lok Bhavan has been lowered to half-mast in honour of the departed leader.
Ajit Pawar’s sudden death marks the end of an era in Maharashtra politics. Leaders across party lines have expressed grief, acknowledging his decades-long contribution to governance and political culture. Maharashtra mourns the loss of a leader whose life was inseparable from the state’s political journey, a figure who combined experience, strategy, and a keen understanding of the pulse of the people.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
