Ajit Pawar was a major name in Indian politics, especially in Maharashtra. He served as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state many times, making him one of the longest in that role. Born on July 22, 1959, he came from a family with strong political ties. His uncle, Sharad Pawar, was a big leader, and Ajit followed in his steps. Over his career, he held important posts like minister for water resources and finance. He was known for his direct way of working and focus on development in rural areas.
Ajit Pawar started in politics in the 1980s and rose quickly. He was part of the Indian National Congress at first, then helped form the Nationalist Congress Party in 1999. He led the NCP from 2023 until his death. His work helped improve irrigation and farming in Maharashtra. People called him “Ajit Dada” because he was close to the common people. He faced some controversies, but his efforts in government were notable.
Sadly, Ajit Pawar died on January 28, 2026, in a plane crash. He was 66 years old. His death left a big gap in Maharashtra politics. After him, his wife Sunetra Pawar took over as NCP president and became the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra on January 31, 2026. This biography looks at his life to help readers understand his contributions. It uses simple words to make it easy to read and learn from.
Ajit Pawar Early Life and Education
Ajit Anantrao Pawar came into the world on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara, a place in Rahuri taluka of Ahmednagar district, then part of Bombay State. Now it is in Maharashtra. His parents were Anantrao Pawar and Ashatai Pawar. He had a brother named Shriniwas and a sister named Vijaya. Life was not easy for young Ajit. His father passed away when Ajit was just 18 years old. This meant he had to take care of his family early on.
Because of this, Ajit moved to Mumbai to finish his studies. He completed his schooling there. Details about his college education are not widely known, but he focused on practical skills. Growing up in a rural area taught him about farming and village problems. This shaped his later work in politics, where he helped with water and agriculture issues.
In his early years, Ajit looked up to his uncle Sharad Pawar, who was already in politics. Sharad Pawar was a leader in the Indian National Congress. This family connection inspired Ajit to enter public service. By 1982, at age 23, he got elected to the board of a cooperative sugar factory. This was his first step into leadership. In 1991, he became chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank. He held that post for 16 years, until 2007. This role helped him understand banking and farming needs.
Ajit’s early life shows the value of responsibility. Losing his father young made him strong. His education in Mumbai gave him city knowledge, while his roots kept him tied to villages. This mix helped him connect with different people in his career. Readers can see how personal challenges can build character for future success.
Ajit Pawar Career
Ajit Pawar’s political journey began in 1991. He won a seat in the Lok Sabha from Baramati as a member of the Indian National Congress. Baramati was his family’s strong area. But he gave up the seat for his uncle Sharad Pawar, who became India’s Defence Minister that year under Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao.
Soon after, Ajit turned to state politics. In a by-election in 1991, he won the Baramati seat in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. He kept winning it in 1995, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019. This made him a seven-time MLA. His wins show strong support from local people.
In government, Ajit held many roles. From 1991 to 1992, he was Minister of State for Agriculture and Power under Chief Minister Sudhakarrao Naik. Then, from 1992 to 1995, he handled Soil Conservation, Power, and Planning when Sharad Pawar was Chief Minister.
In 1999, the Congress and NCP formed a government together. Ajit became Cabinet Minister for Irrigation, including Krishna Valley and Konkan Valley Development. In 2003, under Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, he also got Rural Development. After the 2004 elections, he kept Water Resources (except Krishna Valley Corporation) under Vilasrao Deshmukh until 2008, and then under Ashok Chavan until 2010. He added Water Supply, Sanitation, and Command Area Development.
From November 2009 to November 2010, he was Minister for Water Resources and Krishna Valley Irrigation Corporation.
Ajit became Deputy Chief Minister first on November 10, 2010, under Prithviraj Chavan. He served until September 25, 2012. He returned on October 25, 2012, until September 26, 2014, still under Chavan.
In November 2019, he briefly joined a BJP-led government as Deputy Chief Minister under Devendra Fadnavis from November 23 to 26. It lasted only three days. Then, on December 30, 2019, he became Deputy Chief Minister again under Uddhav Thackeray in the Maha Vikas Aghadi. He handled Finance, Planning, and State Excise. This lasted until June 29, 2022.
From July 4, 2022, to July 2, 2023, he was Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly under the Eknath Shinde government.
On July 2, 2023, Ajit split from his uncle’s NCP. With most MLAs, he joined the Mahayuti coalition. He became Deputy Chief Minister under Eknath Shinde, serving with Devendra Fadnavis until December 5, 2024.
After the 2024 Assembly elections, he was sworn in again on December 5, 2024, under Fadnavis. He got Finance, Planning, State Excise, Sports and Youth Welfare, and Minority Development. This was his last term, until January 28, 2026.
Ajit also led the NCP from June 30, 2023, to January 28, 2026. In 2023, he claimed the party name and symbol. On February 7, 2024, the Election Commission gave it to his group. Sharad Pawar’s side became NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar).
In his roles, Ajit focused on water projects. As Irrigation Minister, he pushed for dams and canals to help farmers. This improved crop yields in dry areas. In finance, he worked on budgets for development. His style was straightforward, sometimes leading to debates.
He faced issues too. In 2002, there were claims about land for the Lavasa project at low rates. In 2012, a bureaucrat said there was misuse of funds in irrigation, about 70,000 crore rupees. Ajit resigned but came back after checks. In 2013, he made a speech about a drought that upset people. He said sorry later. In 2024, he was linked to a car crash case in Pune, but he said it was just checking facts.
Despite these, Ajit’s career helped Maharashtra grow. He built roads, schools, and hospitals in Baramati. His party won seats in 2024 elections, helping the coalition. In local polls in 2025 and 2026, NCP did well under him.
Ajit’s path teaches about loyalty and change in politics. He started loyal to his uncle but later formed his own group for what he thought was better. This shows how alliances shift in India. Readers can learn how ministers make policies that affect daily life, like water for farms.
Ajit Pawar Personal Life
Ajit Pawar married Sunetra Patil on December 30, 1985. Sunetra came from a political family. Her father was Bajirao Patil, and her brother was Padamsinh Patil, a former minister. Sunetra was born on October 18, 1963, in Ter, Osmanabad (now Dharashiv).
The couple had two sons: Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar. Parth tried politics in 2019 but lost the Lok Sabha election from Maval. Jay kept a lower profile, helping in family matters.
Ajit lived in Baramati and Mumbai. He was close to his family. His nephew Rohit Pawar is also in politics, in the other NCP group.
Ajit enjoyed simple things like meeting people and solving problems. He was known for working long hours, up to 17 hours a day. His family supported his busy life.
In 2023, the family faced a split when Ajit left Sharad Pawar’s NCP. This affected relations, but talks for joining back started before his death.
Sunetra entered politics in 2024. She ran for Lok Sabha from Baramati but lost to Supriya Sule, Sharad’s daughter. Then she became a Rajya Sabha MP. After Ajit’s death, she became NCP leader and Deputy Chief Minister.
Ajit’s personal life highlights family in politics. Many leaders in India come from such backgrounds. It shows how support at home helps in public roles.
Ajit Pawar Cause of Death
Ajit Pawar died on January 28, 2026, at 66 years old. He was in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra.
The plane was a Learjet 45XR, registration VT-SSK. It left Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. Ajit was going to Baramati for meetings on Zilla Parishad elections.
At about 8:44 AM IST, the plane tried to land on Runway 11 at Baramati Airport. It was the second try. The plane went off the runway and caught fire. It was fully destroyed.
On board were five people: Ajit Pawar, pilot Sumit Kapur, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, security officer Vidip Jadhav, and flight attendant Pinky Mali. All died.
The government started a probe. The plane was owned by VSR Ventures.
Maharashtra declared three days of mourning. His funeral was on January 29, 2026, in Baramati with state honors. He was cremated there.
This event shocked many. It led to his wife taking his roles.
Conclusion
Ajit Pawar left a strong mark on Maharashtra politics. From his start in 1991 to his death in 2026, he served in many ways. His focus on water and finance helped the state. Though he faced splits and issues, his work for people stands out.
His legacy is in development projects and party strength. He showed how to rise from challenges. After him, the NCP continues under new leaders.
FAQs
When was Ajit Pawar born?
Ajit Pawar was born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara, Maharashtra.
What was Ajit Pawar’s education?
He completed his schooling in Mumbai after his father’s death. Specific degrees are not detailed, but he gained practical knowledge early.
How many times was Ajit Pawar Deputy Chief Minister?
He served as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra five times, the longest in the state’s history.
Who is Ajit Pawar’s wife?
His wife was Sunetra Pawar, whom he married in 1985. She became Deputy Chief Minister after his death.
What were Ajit Pawar’s children names?
He had two sons: Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar.
When did Ajit Pawar split the NCP?
He split from Sharad Pawar’s NCP on July 2, 2023, and took most MLAs with him.
What caused Ajit Pawar’s death?
He died in a plane crash on January 28, 2026, near Baramati Airport.
What portfolios did Ajit Pawar handle in his last term?
In his last term from December 5, 2024, he handled Finance, Planning, State Excise, Sports and Youth Welfare, and Minority Development.
Was Ajit Pawar involved in any controversies?
Yes, he faced allegations on irrigation funds in 2012 and a speech in 2013, but he addressed them.
What is Ajit Pawar’s legacy?
His legacy includes irrigation projects for farmers and strong leadership in Maharashtra politics.