Ajit Pawar Dies In Plane Crash: A Look Back At His Career And Legacy

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), tragically died today in a plane crash in Baramati, Pune district. The chartered aircraft carrying him crash-landed around 8:45 a.m. while he was en route to attend political events ahead of the Zilla Parishad elections. Alongside Pawar, several others on board also lost their lives, marking a devastating moment in Maharashtra’s political landscape.

Ajit Pawar was born on July 22, 1959, in Baramati, Maharashtra, into a family deeply rooted in politics. He was the nephew of Sharad Pawar, one of India’s most influential political figures, and grew up in an environment where public service and leadership were central. His early years in politics began at the grassroots level, where he served in local bodies before rising steadily through the ranks of the NCP.

Over the decades, Pawar established himself as a formidable leader in Maharashtra politics. He was elected multiple times as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Baramati, a constituency that became synonymous with his name. His political career was marked by his strong organizational skills, his ability to connect with the rural electorate, and his reputation as a decisive administrator. Ajit Pawar held several key portfolios in the Maharashtra government, including finance, irrigation, and power. As Finance Minister, he was known for his pragmatic approach to budgeting and development, often emphasizing infrastructure growth and rural welfare. His tenure was not without controversy, particularly in relation to irrigation projects, but he remained a central figure in the state’s governance. 

In 2019, Pawar briefly broke ranks with the NCP to align with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a dramatic political twist, taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister in a short-lived government. However, he soon returned to the NCP fold and continued to serve in senior positions, including his most recent role as Deputy Chief Minister in the coalition government. His political resilience and ability to navigate Maharashtra’s complex political landscape earned him both criticism and admiration.

Beyond politics, Ajit Pawar was known for his deep ties to Baramati, his home constituency, where he invested in educational institutions, cooperative movements, and agricultural initiatives. His influence extended beyond governance into shaping the socio-economic fabric of the region. 

Ajit Pawar’s sudden death brings an abrupt end to a career that spanned more than three decades. At 66, he was still an active force in state politics, campaigning and strategizing for upcoming elections. His passing leaves a significant void in Maharashtra’s political scene, not only for the NCP but also for the broader coalition politics of the state. 

His legacy will be remembered for his contributions to Maharashtra’s development, his role in shaping the NCP’s trajectory, and his enduring connection to Baramati. For supporters and critics alike, Ajit Pawar’s career reflected the complexities of Indian politics, marked by ambition, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his constituency.