Maharashtra Grapples With Political Void After Ajit Pawar's Sudden Demise
Maharashtra has been plunged into profound political uncertainty following the sudden and tragic demise of deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. The state's longest-serving DCM, who was poised to present his twelfth state budget, passed away in a private jet crash near Baramati airport, approximately 100 kilometers from Pune. This unexpected development leaves the government facing immediate challenges in navigating the crucial budget session without its seasoned leader.
Portfolios Temporarily Revert to Chief Minister Fadnavis
With Ajit Pawar's portfolios temporarily reverting to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis until formal notifications are issued after the three-day mourning period, the administration must now confront the complex task of managing legislative proceedings. The timing couldn't be more critical, as the state assembly was preparing for significant budgetary discussions that now hang in the balance.
A Leader's Unfinished Political Ambitions
The 66-year-old leader's passing leaves Maharashtra grappling not only with collective grief but also with numerous unfinished political ambitions. From pending budget presentations to upcoming local body elections, Pawar's absence creates a substantial vacuum in the state's political landscape. Just a fortnight before his death, Pawar had revealed to TOI that his top priority was reuniting both NCP factions under the guidance of Sharad Pawar, expressing lifelong gratitude to Pawar Senior for shaping his remarkable political journey.
Symbolic Leather Bag That Will Never Reach Its Owner
In a poignant twist of fate, the finance department led by the late Ajit Pawar had recently cleared the purchase of a new leather bag—an enduring emblem of budget presentations across India. One such bag, which he had previously used to carry his budget speech, successfully navigated bureaucratic approval layers and was making its way to Mantralaya. Costing approximately Rs 7,000, this bag was specifically meant for the presentation of Maharashtra Budget 2026.
Officials confirmed that the approval was part of routine preparations undertaken annually ahead of the budget. The bag was intended for carrying budget documents and the speech copy during the legislative session. Under normal circumstances, Pawar would have held up the bag before media cameras for countless photographs on budget day—a symbolic moment that will now remain unrealized.
Minister Remembers the Symbolic Tradition
Minister of State for Finance Ashish Jaiswal, who will assume charge on behalf of the government in the Legislative Council, shared his emotional response with TOI. A second similar bag has been purchased for Jaiswal, but he expressed profound sadness about the missing ceremonial moment. "I can't imagine that moment without dada, I will miss him dearly. I cannot imagine Budget day without dada," Jaiswal stated, highlighting the personal and professional void created by Pawar's absence.
Career Milestones of a Political Stalwart
Ajit Pawar's political journey spanned decades with numerous significant milestones:
- 1991: Elected to Lok Sabha from Baramati, resigned later same year to facilitate Sharad Pawar's parliamentary return
- 1991: Elected as Baramati MLA; remained unbeaten for eight consecutive terms until 2024
- 2009: Became deputy chief minister for the first time, acquiring finance portfolio the following year
- 2012: Resigned amid allegations concerning the 'irrigation scam', later reinstated
- November 2019: Joined hands with BJP's Devendra Fadnavis, sworn in as DCM; government collapsed within 80 hours
- December 2019: Returned as deputy chief minister in Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government
- July 2023: Led split in Sharad Pawar-led NCP, joined BJP-Shiv Sena government as DCM
- November 2024: Led NCP to victory in state elections as part of Mahayuti alliance, became DCM for sixth time
- 2025: Presented state budget for eleventh time as finance minister
State Funeral with National Dignitaries
Ajit Pawar's last rites will be conducted with full state honors in Baramati at 11 AM today. A senior police officer confirmed to TOI that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the funeral ceremony. All state ministers and MLAs are expected to be present, reflecting the national significance of this political loss.
The sudden departure of this veteran politician creates not just a personal tragedy for his family and associates, but a substantial institutional challenge for Maharashtra's governance structure. As the state mourns, the machinery of government must simultaneously address both ceremonial responsibilities and practical governance requirements during this period of transition.
