Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar among five killed as charter plane crashes

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit ‘Dada’ Pawar passed away on Wednesday after a chartered aircraft he was travelling in crashed while attempting to land at Baramati airport, bringing an end to a long and eventful political career marked by sharp turns and significant influence.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), all five occupants of the Mumbai–Baramati chartered flight were killed when the aircraft crash-landed at around 8.45 am at the runway threshold in Baramati. Those on board included Ajit Pawar, two members of his personal staff—one PSO and one attendant—and two crew members. Pawar was on his way to Baramati to attend a public rally in connection with the Zilla Parishad elections.

Early life and political beginnings

Born on July 22, 1959, at Deolali Pravara in Rahuri taluka of Ahmednagar district, Ajit Pawar earned the popular moniker “Ajit Dada” for his relentless political energy and deep connect with grassroots issues in Maharashtra. Alongside his administrative roles, he played a key part in strengthening cooperative institutions, leading milk unions, federations, and sugar factories across the state.

Rise through the ranks

His political journey gathered momentum in 1991 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Baramati, a seat he later vacated for his uncle and mentor Sharad Pawar. Over the years, he went on to serve multiple terms as an MLA, held several ministerial portfolios, and emerged as one of the most influential leaders in state politics.

Multiple stints as Deputy Chief Minister

Ajit Pawar became Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister on six occasions across different governments, including those led by Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde. He remains the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister in the state in non-consecutive terms.

Electoral record and Baramati stronghold

He represented the Baramati Assembly constituency seven times, first winning a by-election in 1991 and later securing victories in 1995, 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014, firmly establishing Baramati as his political base.

Political realignments and party split

In November 2019, Pawar triggered a major political shift by splitting the NCP and joining a BJP-led government as Deputy Chief Minister. In February 2024, the Election Commission recognised his faction as the official NCP and allotted it the party name and symbol.

Relationship with Sharad Pawar

Despite political divergences in later years, Ajit Pawar maintained close ties with Sharad Pawar, under whose guidance he began his political career. This relationship was evident recently when rival NCP factions came together during the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad municipal elections to project a unified development agenda.

Personal life and legacy

Known for his blunt style and straightforward approach, Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar and their two sons, Jay and Parth Pawar. His death marks the end of a defining chapter in Maharashtra’s contemporary political history.