Ajit Pawar's Political Journey: From Baramati to Tragedy
The political landscape of Maharashtra witnessed a significant chapter close with the tragic passing of Ajit Pawar on January 28, 2026. His career, spanning decades, was marked by power struggles, strategic alliances, and an enduring influence that reshaped state politics.
Early Beginnings in Maharashtra's Heartland
Born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara in Ahmednagar district, Ajit Anantrao Pawar grew up immersed in Maharashtra's cooperative and political culture. His family background set the stage for a life dedicated to public service and political maneuvering.
First Steps into Organized Politics
In 1982, following the footsteps of his uncle Sharad Pawar, Ajit entered public life by being elected to the board of a cooperative sugar factory. This initial step marked his formal entry into organized politics, laying the groundwork for what would become a formidable career.
National and State Political Debut
Ajit Pawar's national political debut came in 1991 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Baramati. However, he soon vacated this seat to make way for Sharad Pawar, demonstrating early signs of the complex family and political dynamics that would define his journey.
Establishing the Baramati Stronghold
The same year, 1991, proved pivotal as Ajit was elected as the MLA from Baramati. This victory initiated an unprecedented streak of eight consecutive terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, establishing him as a dominant force in the region and cementing his base for long-term influence.
The Dramatic 80-Hour Government
In 2019, Maharashtra politics took a dramatic turn when Pawar briefly became deputy chief minister alongside Devendra Fadnavis in a BJP-led government. This alliance, however, collapsed within just 80 hours, showcasing the volatile nature of state politics during that period.
Return to Power with Maha Vikas Aghadi
Pawar soon returned as Deputy Chief Minister under Uddhav Thackeray's Maha Vikas Aghadi government from 2019 to 2022. During this tenure, he held crucial portfolios including finance and planning, playing a key role in the state's administration for over two years.
The Major Split of 2023
In a significant rebellion against his uncle Sharad Pawar, Ajit walked away with a majority of NCP MLAs in 2023. This move led to him securing the party name and symbol, fundamentally reshaping Maharashtra's political equations and marking a bold departure from his political roots.
Joining Hands with the NDA
On July 2, 2023, Ajit Pawar officially split from the Nationalist Congress Party founded by his uncle and joined the National Democratic Alliance government in Maharashtra. This alliance was led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, creating new political dynamics in the state.
Electoral Resilience and Return to Office
After a modest performance in the Lok Sabha elections, Pawar's NCP demonstrated remarkable resilience in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections. The party won 41 seats, paving the way for his sixth oath as Deputy Chief Minister, showcasing his enduring political relevance.
Final Political Moves and Tragic End
In a surprising political turn before his passing, Pawar allied with Sharad Pawar for local body polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. His life came to a tragic end on January 28, 2026, in a plane crash, bringing down the curtain on one of Maharashtra's most consequential political careers.
The journey of Ajit Pawar represents more than just individual political success; it reflects the evolving dynamics of Maharashtra politics, family legacies, and the unpredictable nature of power. His career leaves behind a complex legacy that will continue to influence state politics for years to come.
