- By Nidhi Giri
- Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:08 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
To his supporters, he was 'Dada'; to his rivals, a constant headache. Known for hard work, and sharp wit, Ajit Pawar’s political career was driven by an unfulfilled quest for the highest office. Pawar, a six-time deputy chief minister, was known for his authority, respected for his administrative acumen, and often criticised for his harsh temper. He always seemed poised for Maharashtra's highest office, but never quite reached it. Ajit Pawar was Sharad Pawar's political heir apparent.
On Wednesday morning, Ajit Pawar (66) was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati when his 16-year-old aircraft, operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, crashed while attempting a second landing approach at the airport, which is an uncontrolled airfield where traffic information is typically provided by instructors and pilots from local flying training organisations.
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Entered Politics In 1982
Ajit Pawar's political education began not in television studios, but in Maharashtra's strongest power center - the sugar and cooperative societies ecosystem. Born on July 22, 1959, Ajit Pawar was the son of Ashatai Pawar and Anantrao Pawar. Anantrao Pawar is the elder brother of Sharad Pawar. Ajit entered politics in 1982 when he was elected to the board of a sugar factory.
The Baramati brand gave him what few leaders have: a fortress-like following and a political machinery that operates year-round. His rise was no accident. It was the result of an organisational strategy.
6-Time Deputy Chief Minister
Pawar served as deputy chief minister several times during shifting coalitions, serving a record six terms, and earned a reputation as a punctual and hardworking person, unusual in a political culture notorious for delays. It was this period that shaped his strongest political identity - as an administrator who can deliver results.
Even rivals reluctantly acknowledged his understanding of the state's functioning and how to run it effectively. His hold on the finance and planning ministries further strengthened his authority. He was expected to present Maharashtra's 2026-27 budget next month.
Controversies
Pawar's supporters considered him a decisive and hardworking leader, while his critics saw him as a leader who, while seeking power, routinely courted controversy. Allegations related to the irrigation scam and later controversies surrounding his son Parth's land deals repeatedly became political weapons against him.
Still, the pattern remained the same: he stuck to his position. His most infamous public controversy came in 2013, when he mocked the state's drought crisis while addressing a village gathering in Indapur, sparking outrage and forcing him to apologise. The incident highlighted both aspects of his personality: politically astute and outspoken.
Hunger For Power
In November 2019, a political move catapulted him from an influential state leader to a national topic of discussion: a surprise early-morning swearing-in ceremony with Devendra Fadnavis. Ajit Pawar became deputy chief minister in a government that lasted barely two days, but its impact endured much longer. This wasn't mere opportunism. It was a signal.
Pawar has never hidden his ambition to become chief minister. That morning was widely seen as his transition from an "uncle's successor" image to an "I can handle power" one. The attempt failed, but it permanently established him as Maharashtra's most unpredictable ruler.
Rebelled Against Sharad Pawar In 2023
In July 2023, Ajit Pawar pulled off the biggest upset of his career - he rebelled against Sharad Pawar, taking most of his MLAs with him, and formed an alliance with the BJP-Shiv Sena government. This move not only divided a party but also a legacy. But personal drama has no place in politics.
After a disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha elections, where his faction won just one seat, he staged a spectacular comeback by winning 41 seats in the assembly elections.
Then, ahead of the municipal elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar appeared to be strategically uniting to avoid vote division. Pawar publicly described this as pragmatic politics, saying that fighting between the two factions would only benefit the rivals. That "reunion" fueled speculation about a future merger of the factions, and after his sudden death, this discussion remains unresolved.
Ajit Pawar, a six-time Deputy Chief Minister, remained the state's most influential and autocratic ruling leader, feared by rivals and highly respected by allies. He formed governments, split parties, and often changed the dynamics overnight. While he never became Chief Minister, few have wielded as much clout in Maharashtra politics as he has.