In the political landscape of Maharashtra, Ajit Anantrao Pawar, often known as "Dada," was a dominant figure who consistently held positions of power. Born on July 22, 1959, he was the nephew of Sharad Pawar, a prominent leader and founder of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Ajit Pawar began his political journey through local governance, demonstrating his ability to manage both politics and administration early on. His career, marked by loyalty, defiance, and a deep understanding of power dynamics, saw him at the center of Maharashtra's most dramatic political chapters. Tragically, his life and career were cut short on January 28, 2026, when he died in a plane crash near Baramati airport.
Pawar's career began in the early 1990s when he became the chairman of the Pune District Cooperative Bank. In 1991, he was elected as an Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Baramati, a seat he held throughout his career. He also briefly served as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha in 1991 before resigning to focus on state politics. Pawar held various ministerial positions, including Irrigation, Rural Development, and Energy, building a reputation for hands-on governance. By the early 2000s, he had become one of the most powerful ministers in Congress-NCP coalition governments.
Ajit Pawar served multiple terms as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra under different governments, including those of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde. He also held the finance portfolio, showcasing his understanding of the state's fiscal management by streamlining budgets and pushing for key infrastructure and irrigation projects. Known for his punctuality and commitment, Pawar dedicated 16-17 hours daily to addressing the concerns of the people of Maharashtra.
Despite his long and impactful career, Pawar's political journey was not without controversy. Allegations surfaced regarding his role as Minister for Water Resources, particularly concerning the Lavasa project and the Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation (MKVDC). In September 2012, accusations of misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs. 70,000 crores were made by a Maharashtra bureaucrat, leading to calls for his resignation. However, these allegations were never proven, and he was reinstated as Deputy Chief Minister. In 2013, a public statement about the state's inability to provide water during a drought caused public outcry, for which he later apologized. More recently, in late 2025, Pawar faced scrutiny over his son's land deal in Pune, which he claimed was a conspiracy to defame him. He also defended giving tickets to candidates with criminal backgrounds for civic polls, asserting that no one is a criminal until proven guilty.
In July 2023, Ajit Pawar led a split within the NCP and joined the NDA government. This move resulted in him becoming the Deputy Chief Minister in the Eknath Shinde-led government, alongside Devendra Fadnavis. Even as part of the ruling alliance, Pawar strategically represented his interests, especially in western Maharashtra.
Ajit Pawar's political career can be defined by his continuous presence in positions of power, navigating complex alliances and controversies. He was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, holding the position for six terms. Whether in power or in opposition, Ajit Pawar remained a central figure in Maharashtra politics, leaving an indelible mark on the state's political landscape.
