Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Dies in Tragic Plane Crash Near Baramati
The political landscape of Maharashtra was shaken on Wednesday, 28 January, when Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a tragic aircraft accident. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the plane crashed while attempting to land at Baramati in Maharashtra, claiming the life of the senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to preliminary reports from aviation authorities, the aircraft was carrying six passengers at the time of the crash. Along with Ajit Pawar, the flight included his security personnel and the pilots, all of whom perished in the devastating accident. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation by the DGCA and other relevant agencies.
A Political Giant's Journey Cut Short
Born in 1959, Ajit Anantrao Pawar was a formidable force in Maharashtra politics, having served as Deputy Chief Minister multiple times throughout his extensive career. Originally a senior leader in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), he made headlines in 2023 when he defected from the faction led by his uncle, veteran politician Sharad Pawar, to align with the BJP-Shiv Sena government.
His death comes at a particularly sensitive political moment, with recent reports suggesting a potential reconciliation between the two warring factions of the NCP. Just last week, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut had expressed optimism about Ajit Pawar possibly returning to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, stating that "Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar will reunite as part of the MVA."
The Man Known as 'Dada'
Ajit Pawar was affectionately called 'dada'—a term of respect that reflected his long-standing political career and deep grassroots connections. Hailing from Baramati, he built his political foundation through cooperative societies, banking institutions, and agricultural networks before entering electoral politics.
His political journey began in the 1980s through cooperative institutions, including milk unions and sugar cooperatives. He was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Baramati in 1991, later transitioning to state politics where he represented Baramati in the Maharashtra Assembly multiple times.
Record-Setting Political Career
Ajit Pawar holds the distinction of being Maharashtra's longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister, having served six non-consecutive terms under various governments. His tenure spanned cabinets led by Chief Ministers Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde.
Key milestones in his political career include:
- Election to the Lok Sabha from Baramati in 1991 (later vacating the seat for his uncle Sharad Pawar)
- Seven-time election to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Baramati
- Ministerial positions in Agriculture, Power, Soil Conservation, Planning, Irrigation, and Rural Development departments
- Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from 2022 to 2023
Family Background and Personal Life
Born in Deolali Pravara, Ahmednagar district, Ajit Pawar was the son of Ashatai Pawar and Anantrao Pawar, and nephew of NCP president Sharad Pawar. After dropping out of college following his father's death, he entered politics to support his family. He was married to Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP, with whom he had two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar.
Financial Profile and Legal Matters
According to his latest election affidavit, Ajit Pawar declared a net worth of approximately ₹103.16 crore, with total assets around ₹124.55 crore and liabilities of about ₹21.4 crore. His assets included substantial real estate holdings, agricultural land, and financial investments.
In 2021, properties linked to Ajit Pawar and his family worth nearly ₹1,000 crore were attached by tax authorities as part of a benami property probe. However, in 2024, an appellate tribunal cleared him of the allegations due to lack of evidence and ordered the return of the attached assets.
The sudden demise of this influential political figure leaves a significant void in Maharashtra's political arena, with implications for both state governance and the realignment of political alliances in the region.
