Ajit Pawar Biography: Life, Political Career, Deputy CM Journey & Death (2026)

Basic Information

Full Name: Ajit Anantrao Pawar
Popular Name: Ajit Dada Pawar
Date of Birth: 22 July 1959
Place of Birth: Deolali Pravara, Rahuri Taluka, Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra
Date of Death: 28 January 2026
Age at Death: 66 years
Nationality: Indian
Profession: Politician
Political Party: Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction)
Constituency: Baramati, Pune District
Languages Known: Marathi, Hindi, English

Early Life and Family Background

Ajit Pawar was born on 22 July 1959 in Deolali Pravara village of Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. He belonged to a Maratha family with strong political roots.

His father, Anantrao Pawar, passed away when Ajit Pawar was young, which forced him to take on responsibilities early in life. Growing up in rural Maharashtra shaped his understanding of farmers’ issues, cooperative institutions, and grassroots politics.

He was the nephew of Sharad Pawar, one of the most influential political leaders in India and the founder of the Nationalist Congress Party. Sharad Pawar played a major role in shaping Ajit Pawar’s political thinking and career.

Education

Ajit Pawar completed his schooling in Maharashtra and pursued higher education in Mumbai. Though not known for academic credentials, he gained strong practical knowledge in administration, finance, irrigation, and governance through years of hands-on political experience.

Personal Life

Ajit Pawar was married to Sunetra Pawar. The couple had two sons:

Parth Pawar
Jay Pawar

His family remained actively involved in political and social activities, particularly in the Baramati and Pune regions.

Entry into Politics

Ajit Pawar began his political journey through the cooperative movement, which has historically been a powerful base in rural Maharashtra.

Actively involved in cooperative sugar factories and banks in the early 1980s
Served as Chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank, strengthening his political and financial influence

This phase helped him build a deep network among farmers, cooperative leaders, and local political workers.

Legislative Career

Ajit Pawar entered electoral politics in 1991, when he was elected as an MLA from Baramati.

Key Highlights:

Represented Baramati constituency multiple times
Won elections with large margins
Turned Baramati into one of the most politically significant constituencies in Maharashtra

His consistent victories established him as an undisputed regional strongman.

Ministerial Responsibilities

During his long political career, Ajit Pawar handled several important portfolios in the Maharashtra government, including:

Finance
Planning
Irrigation
Water Resources
Power
Rural Development

He was widely regarded as a strong administrator, particularly known for his command over state finances and irrigation projects.

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra

Ajit Pawar served as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra multiple times, making him one of the most experienced leaders to hold the position.

He was known for:

Quick decision-making
Crisis management
Strong administrative control
Ability to work across political alliances

His repeated appointments reflected his political importance and negotiating strength.

Political Split and New Leadership Phase

In 2023, Ajit Pawar led a major split in the Nationalist Congress Party and formed his own faction. He aligned with the BJP-led alliance, dramatically reshaping Maharashtra’s political landscape.

Despite internal opposition, he:

Retained the support of several MLAs
Returned to power as Deputy Chief Minister
Maintained control over key ministries

This phase highlighted his image as a pragmatic and power-oriented leader.

Leadership Style and Public Image

Ajit Pawar was known for his:

Direct and aggressive speaking style
Strict discipline within the party
Deep understanding of grassroots politics
Focus on development, especially in Baramati

Supporters admired his execution skills, while critics often described him as blunt and uncompromising.

Controversies

Throughout his career, Ajit Pawar faced controversies related to:

Irrigation projects
Cooperative institutions
Political defections

Despite these challenges, he remained electorally strong and politically relevant for decades.

Death and Final Events

On 28 January 2026, Ajit Pawar died tragically in a plane crash near Baramati Airport in Pune district while travelling for political engagements.

The charter aircraft crashed during a landing attempt, resulting in a fatal fire on impact. Ajit Pawar, along with other passengers and crew members on board, lost their lives in the accident. He was 66 years old at the time of his death.

His sudden demise sent shockwaves across Maharashtra and the country. The state government declared official mourning, and leaders from all political parties paid tribute to his legacy. His last rites were performed in Baramati with full state honours, attended by thousands of supporters and senior political leaders.