29 January,2026 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Pic/By Special Arrangement
Ajit Pawar, fondly known as âDada,' began his political journey in Baramati and rose to occupy some of the most powerful positions in Maharashtra's government. On Wednesday, that journey came full circle, ending in the very constituency that remained the anchor of his political life, even as his long-cherished dream of becoming the state's chief minister remained unfulfilled.
Born into one of Maharashtra's most influential political families, Ajit Pawar entered public life in the 1980s under the guidance of his uncle and mentor, veteran leader Sharad Pawar. While the latter built his political base through the cooperative sugar sector, Ajit Pawar followed the same route, learning the mechanics of power from the grassroots upward.
His first exposure to public administration came through the cooperative movement. He served as a member of a sugar factory board before becoming chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank, one of the most influential institutions in district-level politics and finance. These roles helped him build a vast network across western Maharashtra and shaped his reputation as a tough administrator.
Ajit Pawar's formal political breakthrough came in 1991 when he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Baramati on a Congress ticket. However, he resigned midway through the term to facilitate his uncle's move to national politics in Delhi. Thereafter, Ajit Pawar shifted his focus to state politics. He was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Baramati, a seat that would become his political fortress for over three decades.
A six-time MLA, Ajit Pawar went on to create two major records in Maharashtra politics. He served as deputy chief minister a record six times under different chief ministers, including Prithviraj Chavan, Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde, and Devendra Fadnavis.
Equally significant was his role as finance minister. Pawar presented the Maharashtra state budget 11 times, the second-highest number in the state's history, cementing his image as one of the most powerful figures in Mantralaya.
In 2004, Ajit Pawar came closest to fulfilling his ambition of becoming chief minister. The Nationalist Congress Party won more seats than its alliance partner, the Congress, in the Assembly elections.
However, Sharad Pawar chose to allow the Congress to retain the chief minister's post in exchange for an additional cabinet berth in the UPA government at the Centre. The decision deeply upset Ajit Pawar, who openly expressed his disappointment at the time.
Political strains within the family resurfaced in 2009, when Sharad Pawar's daughter Supriya Sule entered electoral politics and was elected MP from Baramati. Aware of his nephew's discomfort, Sharad Pawar clarified that Sule would focus on national politics, while Ajit Pawar would manage the party's affairs in Maharashtra.
Despite internal tensions, Ajit continued to lead the NCP's state unit under his uncle's guidance for nearly a decade.
In 2019, Ajit Pawar stunned Maharashtra's political establishment by briefly aligning with the BJP and taking oath as deputy chief minister alongside Devendra Fadnavis. The government collapsed within three days, after which Ajit returned to the NCP and resumed his role as deputy chief minister under his uncle's leadership in the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.
Known for his blunt style, Pawar was often criticised for his harsh language during meetings and public speeches. Yet, within bureaucratic circles, he was regarded as a decisive administrator and a relentless "go-getter."
He was famous for beginning his workday as early as 6 am and for offering clear answers, often a simple "yes" or "no," rather than ambiguous assurances. Unlike many leaders who preferred delays and deliberations, Pawar believed in swift decision-making.
Over his long career, he handled some of the most powerful portfolios in the state government, including finance, planning, irrigation, energy, public works, and the deputy chief minister's office.
His career, however, was not without controversy. He was forced to resign from the cabinet after allegations related to the irrigation scam surfaced, although he later made a political comeback.
In 2023, Ajit Pawar triggered a major political upheaval by splitting the Nationalist Congress Party and forming a separate faction, parting ways with his uncle. He subsequently joined the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government and was sworn in once again as deputy chief minister.
Despite the political rupture, signs of reconciliation emerged in 2026, when the factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar contested the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections together as allies.
Political circles were abuzz with speculation that the two factions could reunite after the Zilla Parishad elections scheduled for February 5, with counting on February 7.
Ajit Pawar's sudden death has now cast uncertainty over those possibilities, leaving behind unanswered political questions and an unfinished chapter in Maharashtra's power politics.
2023
Year Ajit Pawar split NCP
1959: Born on July 22 in Deolali Pravara village, Rahuri taluka, Ahmednagar district (now Ahilyanagar)
1980: Entered active public life
1982: Elected to the board of a cooperative sugar factory
1991: Became chairman of Pune District Central Cooperative Bank
1991: Elected MP from Baramati, later resigned
1991: Elected MLA from Baramati
1991-93: Minister of state in agriculture, power, soil conservation and planning
1999-2014: Held key cabinet portfolios including irrigation, finance, planning and energy
2012-14: Deputy chief minister
2019: Brief three-day deputy CM stint with BJP
2019-22: Deputy CM and finance minister in MVA government
2022: Leader of Opposition
2023: Split NCP, formed separate faction, joined the Mahayuti government
2024: Sworn in again as deputy chief minister
January 28, 2026: Died in a plane crash while travelling from Mumbai to Baramati
