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It had been only 2.5 years since Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Anantrao Pawar started his political career, stepping out of the long shadow of his uncle and undivided Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar. It ended on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) after he died in a plane crash, in Baramati, in Pune district.
Ajit Pawar plane crash LIVE | Maharashtra Deputy CM, four others killed in Baramati, PM mourns
Ajit Pawar (66), born on July 22, 1959, is recognised as one of Maharashtra’s most powerful and experienced politicians. He entered the State Assembly in 1991 and became a Baramati Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA) for multiple terms, steadily rising through the ranks, becoming State Deputy Chief Minister multiple times. He is known to be the most efficient administrator.
Born in Deolali Pravara in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar spent his initial years in a co-operative institution which played a significant role in the development and politics of Western Maharashtra comprising Pune, Kolhapur, Sangli, Baramati, and others. This is where he created a network, built his reputation, and entered the political sphere.
He has handled multiple Ministerial portfolios from 2004 to 2025. He led Irrigation and Water Resources in 2004, held the State Finance Ministry for two terms (2010–2014, 2019–2022), and again from 2023 after the split in the NCP. Mr. Pawar served as Deputy Chief Minister for the first time in 2010, briefly in 2019, and for the third term starting from 2023.
During his stint as Finance Minister, he played a central role in framing State budgets, maintaining fiscal discipline, and shaping Maharashtra’s fiscal policy. The Mahayuti government’s flagship scheme, Ladki Bahin Yojana, was also presented by him in the Budget.
Ajit Pawar was known for his straightforwardness, no-nonsense approach, and willingness to take hard calls. He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and two children, Parth and Jay Pawar.
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