The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash, were performed with full state honours on Thursday at Baramati in Pune district. Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari and senior leaders attend funeral Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari attended the funeral held at the Vidya Pratishthan ground, around 100 km from Pune. Several senior leaders cutting across party lines were present to pay their final respects to the 66-year-old Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were also among those present, along with Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar and sons Parth and Jay. His cousin Supriya Sule and NCP working president Praful Patel also attended. Thousands gather as mortal remains brought from Katewadi As Pawar’s mortal remains, wrapped in the national flag, were brought from his native Katewadi village to the funeral venue, thousands of supporters gathered, raising slogans of "Ajit Dada amar rahe". Sons Parth and Jay light funeral pyre Among those who placed floral wreaths were Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, BJP president Nitin Nabin, Devendra Fadnavis, Union minister Ramdas Athawale, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, former Union minister Sushilkumar Shinde and Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh. Pawar’s sons Parth and Jay lit the funeral pyre. Earlier in the day, his body was taken from the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Hospital in Baramati, where it had been kept overnight, to his village before the final journey. ADR registered; black box of crashed Learjet recovered Ajit Pawar and four others were killed when the chartered aircraft they were travelling in crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of the tabletop airstrip at Baramati. The other victims were pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak, personal security officer Vidip Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali. Hospital authorities said their bodies have been handed over to their families. Police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) in connection with the crash. The government has said the aircraft had been cleared to land after a go-around due to poor visibility but failed to give a read-back to air traffic control before bursting into flames near the runway edge. The Civil Aviation Ministry on Thursday confirmed that the black box of the Learjet aircraft — comprising the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder — has been recovered.
29 January,2026 12:32 PM IST | Baramati | mid-day online correspondentThe Ministry of Civil Aviation, after the fatal aeroplane crash at Baramati that killed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, said that the black box of the ill-fated aircraft has been recovered. The Ministry further added that the investigation is progressing expeditiously. While sharing a post on social media handle X, the ministry noted, "Ensuring a thorough, transparent, and time-bound inquiry remains a top priority." The ministry further said that a team of three officers from AAIB, Delhi, and another team of three officers from the DGCA, Mumbai Regional Office, reached the crash site on 28 January. They added, "The Director General, AAIB, also arrived at the site the same day. The investigation is progressing expeditiously, and the black box of the ill-fated aircraft has been recovered," as per ANI. "The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) remains fully committed to completing the investigation within a defined timeframe, strictly in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and laid-down guidelines. The investigation has been initiated in accordance with Rules 5 and 11 of the AAIB Rules, 2025," the Ministry said. Voice recorder recovered from crashed plane at Baramati Officials probing the plane crash that claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and five others have recovered the voice recorder and flight data recorder from the accident spot, as per ANI. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) confirmed that the equipment has been recovered from the site. Ajit Pawar’s funeral underway in Baramati On the other hand, the cremation of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is underway at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati. Supporters of NCP chief and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar gathered outside Ahilyabai Holkar Government Medical College to pay their final respects as his mortal remains were taken out. The funeral procession for Maharashtra's longest-serving Deputy CM (non-consecutively) started at the Vidya Pratishthan campus (Gadima) at 9:00 am. The mortal remains of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were carried in a decorated rath for his 'Antim Yatra' today. The chariot is adorned with flowers and features Pawar's image and a board reading "Swargiya Ajitdada Pawar amar rahein" (Long live Ajit Dada Pawar). A massive crowd gathered at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati to pay heartfelt tribute to one of Maharashtra’s most prominent leaders of all time. (With inputs from ANI)
29 January,2026 12:20 PM IST | Baramati | mid-day online correspondentMaharashtra accorded full state honours to Ajit Pawar on Thursday as his mortal remains were taken to the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati for the last rites. Family members, senior leaders arrive to pay respects Family members, including his wife Sunetra Pawar and sons Jay and Parth Pawar, were present as senior leaders gathered to pay their respects. Former Union minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and his daughter, Congress leader Praniti Shinde, also arrived at the venue ahead of the funeral. Supporters lining the route raised slogans of “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe” as the cortege reached the ground. Pawar’s son Jay, nephew Rohit Pawar and other relatives accompanied the procession. DGCA, forensic teams visit crash site; ADR registered Earlier in the day, officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and forensic teams visited the crash site in Baramati to examine the circumstances surrounding the aircraft accident that claimed Pawar’s life. Personnel from the NDRF and senior state police officials were also present. Pune Rural Police confirmed that an accidental death report (ADR) has been registered at the Baramati Taluka police station and further investigation is underway. Leaders across party lines attend funeral in Baramati Reacting to the tragedy, Union Minister Raksha Khadse described the incident as heartbreaking, saying Maharashtra had lost a leader deeply connected with the grassroots and instrumental in the state’s development. Leaders cutting across party lines arrived in Baramati to attend the funeral, including NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray. Final journey through town; last rites scheduled at 11 am Large crowds of supporters also gathered outside Ahilyabai Holkar Government Medical College, where Pawar’s body was kept before the final journey. The funeral procession began from the Vidya Pratishthan campus, passed through the town to allow citizens to pay homage, and concluded at the Vidya Pratishthan ground, where the last rites were scheduled for 11 am. Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra non-consecutively. He served in the position for six terms within various governments. He had worked as deputy chief minister in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. (With inputs from Agencies)
29 January,2026 12:18 PM IST | Baramati | mid-day online correspondentThree Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidates were elected to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) 227-member general body on January 16. With the leadership in the NCP in immediate lurch due to the demise of Deputy Chief Minister and party chief Ajit Pawar, the newly elected representatives are now left looking to other party leaders for guidance and advice, steadfast that they have support from the party, and willing to continue supporting their party in turn. The NCP faction led by Ajit decided to break away from the Mahayuti alliance — its partner in the BJP-ruled government in Maharashtra — and contest the BMC elections alone. Subsequently, three candidates from NCP were elected to the BMC’s general body — Ayesha Khan from ward number 96; Sayeeda Khan from ward number 168; and Bushra Nadeem Malik from ward 170. In contrast, the Mahayuti Alliance secured 118 seats in the polls. With news of Pawar’s demise, most members from the NCP leadership, party workers, and all elected representatives decided to travel to Baramati to be there for the Pawar family, and pay their respects. Speaking with mid-day on Wednesday afternoon, Ayesha Khan said, “I am travelling to Baramati with my family. All of us have decided to go, and there is no question otherwise. I offer my condolences to the family, and I will stand strong with my party.” When asked about how she views her future with the party, especially as an elected representative in BMC, she said, “There is no question about this.” Ajit Pawar plane crash Live updates: Follow our live blog for real-time updates Saeeda Khan remained unavailable for comment, and an aide of Bushra Khan told mid-day that she was unavailable for comment. Meanwhile, with support and grief pouring in from across party lines, a senior state leader from NCP said, “Dada is irreplaceable. This party is part of his legacy. But now is our time to grieve.” Rakhee Jadhav, former group leader in BMC from the undivided NCP in 2017, who switched to the BJP ahead of the recent BMC elections and was elected for yet another tenure, said, “I am travelling with other party members and leaders to Baramati. We will reach tonight (Wednesday). Even though I’m in a different party now, Dada is a figure I deeply respect. I learnt a lot from his leadership… like punctuality, putting your people’s needs first, and how to approach work. His work ethic has left a deep mark on me. These kinds of ties transcend our day-to-day politics.” ThreeNo. of NCP corporators in BMC
29 January,2026 12:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSShiv Sena leader Deepak Kesarkar on Thursday paid tribute to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar, remembering him as a leader known for discipline, punctuality and an unwavering work ethic. Speaking to ANI, Kesarkar said Pawar's sudden demise in a plane crash was an irreplaceable loss for the state. "Ajit Pawar’s contribution to Maharashtra’s political life is an inspiration for all of us. He did extensive work in the cooperative sector and will always be remembered for his discipline and time-bound functioning. His passing is a void that cannot be filled," he said. Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday after the aircraft he was travelling in crashed at Baramati airport. He was on his way to attend a public meeting linked to the Zilla Parishad elections. Full state honours accorded to late Ajit Pawar Full state honours were accorded to Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, on Thursday as his mortal remains were taken to the Vidya Pratishthan ground for the last rites. Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, and sons, Party and Jay, were present on the occasion. Supporters of Ajit Pawar chanted "Ajit Dada Amar Rahe" as his mortal remains were brought to the ground. His son Jay Pawar, nephew Rohit Pawar, and other family members were also present. Born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara in Ahmednagar district, Ajit Pawar earned the sobriquet "Ajit Dada" for his deep connect with grassroots workers and the people of Maharashtra. Alongside his role in government, he played a significant part in strengthening cooperative institutions, including milk unions and sugar factories. Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra non-consecutively. He served in the position for six terms within various governments. He had worked as deputy chief minister in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. Black box recovered, says Ministry of Civil Aviation on Baramati plane crash Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on Thursday that the black box of the ill-fated aircraft, which crashed in Baramati on Jnauary 28 and killed Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, has been recovered. The investigation is progressing expeditiously. In a post on X, the Ministry noted that, "Ensuring a thorough, transparent, and time-bound inquiry remains a top priority". The Ministry said that a team of three officers from AAIB, Delhi, and another team of three officers from the DGCA, Mumbai Regional Office, reached the crash site on 28 January. "The Director General, AAIB, also arrived at the site the same day. The investigation is progressing expeditiously, and the black box of the ill-fated aircraft has been recovered."
29 January,2026 11:59 AM IST | Baramati | mid-day online correspondentThe last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were performed on Thursday at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati by his sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, amid a massive outpouring of grief. The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar were performed on Thursday at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati by his sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, amid a massive outpouring of grief. Ajit Pawar funeral Live updates: Follow our live blog for real-time updates Amit Shah, CM Fadnavis among leaders at funeral A large gathering of supporters and political leaders attended the funeral, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Earlier in the day, full state honours were accorded as Pawar’s mortal remains were taken to the Vidya Pratishthan ground. Family members, supporters pay emotional farewell Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar and other family members were present during the final rites. Senior Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde, along with his daughter Praniti Shinde, also attended the funeral. Supporters raised slogans of “Ajit Dada Amar Rahe” as the mortal remains arrived at the venue. Pawar’s nephew Rohit Pawar and several relatives were among those present. DGCA, forensic teams visit crash site; ADR registered Meanwhile, officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and forensic teams reached the crash site in Baramati to investigate the aircraft accident that claimed Pawar’s life along with four others. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Maharashtra Director General of Police were also present at the site. The Pune Rural Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) at the Baramati Taluka Police Station and initiated further investigation into the crash. Six-time Deputy CM, longest-serving in non-consecutive terms Ajit Pawar, 66, and four others were killed when a mid-size business jet crash-landed in Baramati on Wednesday morning. The aircraft had departed from Mumbai at 8.10 am for Baramati, where Pawar was scheduled to address rallies ahead of the upcoming rural body elections. Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra non-consecutively. He served in the position for six terms within various governments. He had worked as deputy chief minister in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde.
29 January,2026 11:52 AM IST | Baramati | mid-day online correspondentThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the maximum and minimum temperatures in Mumbai to be around 32 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius, respectively. According to the Sameer app, the city’s air quality index (AQI) on Thursday stands at 85, which falls in the “satisfactory” category. Sensitive individuals may experience minor breathing discomfort under these conditions. AQI across Mumbai Bandra Kurla Complex – 97 Borivali East – 97 Byculla – 66 Andheri East – 95 Chembur – 84 Colaba – 65 Deonar – 110 Ghatkopar – 105 Kandivali East – 103 Kandivali West – 77 Malad West – 95 Mazgaon – 77 Mulund West – 69 In the surrounding areas, Thane records an AQI of 86, Kalyan 96, and Navi Mumbai 90. The overall air quality shows slight improvement compared to earlier this week. Maharashtra sees mostly warm weather, maximum temperatures reach 32 degrees Celsius Maharashtra is expected to experience mostly warm conditions on Thursday, with maximum temperatures ranging from the mid-26 degrees Celsius to low 32 degrees Celsius across the state, according to the latest report from the IMD. In the Mumbai region, Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 28.3 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 19.7 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz saw slightly higher readings with a maximum of 31.1 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 18.1 degrees Celsius. Temperatures in the suburbs and nearby cities remained relatively moderate, with Malegaon reporting 27.4 degrees Celsius, and Nasik registering 29.0 degrees Celsius. Western and coastal regions recorded slightly lower maximums. Mahabaleshwar reported 26.8 degrees Celsius, Ratnagiri 30.0 degrees Celsius, and Dahanu 27.1 degrees Celsius. Other parts of the state, including Sangli and Sholapur, experienced warmer conditions, with both cities recording maximum temperatures of 32.6 degrees Celsius. Udgir and Jeur also recorded highs above 31 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the minimum temperatures stayed mostly in the teens, with the coldest readings noted in Malegaon at 12.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Nasik at 13.2 degrees Celsius. Cities such as Harnai and Kolhapur recorded slightly higher minimums at 21.2 degrees Celsius and 19.5 degrees Celsius, respectively. The overall weather indicates stable, warm conditions across Maharashtra, with minor variations compared to normal readings. Relative humidity ranged from around 0.3 per cent in Mumbai-Colaba to 5.9 per cent in Satara, contributing to generally pleasant early morning conditions across the state.
29 January,2026 10:31 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShiv Sena (UBT) has expressed deep anguish over the sudden death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar, describing him as the unquestioned “Dada” of the state’s politics and lamenting that his era has ended far too early, reported news agency IANS. Loss compared to Mahajan, Munde, Deshmukh and R.R. Patil In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Thackeray-led camp said Pawar’s demise was comparable to the untimely loss of towering leaders such as Pramod Mahajan, Gopinath Munde, Vilasrao Deshmukh and R.R. Patil, reported IANS. “It feels as though Marathi politics has once again fallen victim to an evil eye. Maharashtra has lost a strong, capable leader,” the editorial stated, reflecting the shock within political circles. Editorial recalls Pawar’s discipline and results-driven governance The write-up portrayed Pawar as a forthright and results-driven administrator who believed in discipline, punctuality and cleanliness. According to the editorial, empty assurances were alien to his working style, as he preferred delivering outcomes rather than making promises. ‘Protective shield’ for followers, says Saamana The Sena (UBT) said his absence would leave state politics “bland, sluggish and without direction,” noting that Pawar served as a protective shield for thousands of followers who now feel suddenly unmoored, reported IANS. From Sharad Pawar’s nephew to an independent political force Highlighting his decisive governance, the editorial recalled Pawar’s “dashing” persona and his ability to push the administrative machinery into action. While he entered politics as Sharad Pawar’s nephew, it said he soon forged an independent identity marked by relentless movement and tireless touring. In a tragic irony, it added, his final journey was towards Baramati — the place closest to his heart. Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday in a plane crash at Baramati airport, leaving behind a long career of ups and downs in politics. He was headed to Baramati to attend a public rally for the Zilla Parishad Elections. Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra non-consecutively. He served in the position for six terms within various governments. He had worked as deputy chief minister in the cabinets of Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. (With inputs from IANS)
29 January,2026 10:04 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAjit Pawar’s last day at the Mantralaya followed a familiar rhythm of duty and decision-making. According to the Deputy Chief Minister’s Office (DCMO), Ajit Pawar spent nearly seven hours at Mantralaya on Tuesday, chairing back-to-back meetings that included a police review, a state revenue review, the cabinet meeting, and discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Dressed in his trademark white kurta-pyjama, Pawar arrived at Mantralaya at 8.10 am. A senior aide from the DCMO said Pawar was particular about punctuality and discipline. “Sir has been particular about punctuality and timing for his work. I was here to greet him in his office and assist with his work as he was in and out of review meetings and the cabinet meeting,” the official said. Deserted corridors at Mantralaya on Wednesday, as officials left for Baramati following the news of Ajit Pawar’s death Pawar chaired a police briefing between 9 am and 9.30 am, followed by a detailed review of revenue collection across the state from 9.30 am to 11 am.On Wednesday, the atmosphere at the DCMO office on the sixth floor of Mantralaya was starkly different. The usually busy corridor stood deserted, with most officials having left for Baramati after news of Pawar’s death broke. Only a handful of staff remained behind, sitting quietly in a small room, watching the news unfold on television. Pointing to a stack of files lying on a table, official said, “Sir had a hectic, as usual, day yesterday [Tuesday]. These were the last bunch of files he studied and approved. We just now pulled them out to see what our day was like yesterday.” “We feel very sad and nostalgic,” the official added, tearing up and then breaking down in his office chair. Pawar signed over 30 files on Tuesday, according to information shared by the DCMO with mid-day on Wednesday afternoon. Pointing to the top-most file on the pile with Ajit Pawar’s signature at the bottom of the first page, an official said, “We discussed how this one is likely the file he signed on. He wanted to review this issue and had asked for it at his official residence when he was leaving. It now has his signature.” Pawar approved a significant amount authorising the release of salaries of Ashram school teachers pending for six months, the DCMO told mid-day, adding that it is Rs 350 crore. When asked for details about the final issue that received his stamp of approval, the official said in tears, “For you this is your work, but for me, I have lost my boss, who we looked up to and loved. This is a shock, and we are grieving. You can pursue decisions and information about work another day.” At the end of Wednesday, the file was sent to the finance department, from where funds are to be released, an official confirmed late on Wednesday. Pawar left from Mantralaya for Devgiri, his official residence, at 3 pm on Tuesday, after meeting with the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. “We did not expect today [Wednesday] to unfold this way. It should have been another day of work, as was routine,” one of the officials added. Pawar was scheduled to attend three rallies in Baramati and was then scheduled to leave for Pune. He was expected to return to his office in Mantralaya on February 9.
29 January,2026 09:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Eshanpriya MSAs Maharashtra mourns the sudden loss of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, memories of the leader extend far beyond politics and power. From journalists and civic activists to labour representatives, people across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad remember him not only as a formidable administrator, but as a man marked by candour, warmth and an unmistakable personal connect. Here are some of those memories, as shared with mid-day. Remembering Ajit Dada Manav Kamble, president, Nagrik Haq Suraksha Samiti “The tragic demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Dada Pawar in the Baramati plane crash on January 28 is an immeasurable loss. A dynamic and charismatic leader, he remained active in public life for nearly 35 years and created history by serving as deputy chief minister six times. Known for his efficiency, administrative grip, fearless candour and unmatched political acumen, Ajit Dada earned respect even from political opponents. He balanced authority with warmth. He was firm when required, yet deeply affectionate towards party workers and citizens alike. His sudden departure has created a vacuum in Maharashtra politics that will be extremely difficult to fill. On behalf of the Nagrik Haq Suraksha Samiti, we offer our heartfelt tribute to the memories of Ajit Dada Pawar.” Dr Raghunath Kuchik, Bharatiya Kamgar Sena “Ajit Dada often criticised Shiv Sena policies and made sharp political remarks, sometimes even using satire, however, without harbouring any personal animosity. Despite political differences, he always maintained decorum and believed in dialogue. On many occasions, he set aside party lines to engage constructively on workers’ issues, participated in trade union discussions and extended meaningful cooperation. His sudden and accidental death is deeply unfortunate. His fearless, forthright and decisive style of leadership will always be remembered. On behalf of Maharashtra’s working community, we pay our heartfelt tribute to Ajit Dada Pawar.” Nandkumar Saturdekar, Senior journalist“The tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash is an extremely sorrowful incident. With his deep knowledge of every corner of Maharashtra, firm control over the administration, a mischievous yet forthright nature, and sharp political acumen, Ajit Pawar ruled the hearts of Pimpri-Chinchwad and the state for nearly 34 years. I would like to share an incident that perfectly reflects Ajit Dada’s affectionate personality and his trademark blunt honesty. During the tenure of the Congress-NCP alliance government, former Pimpri-Chinchwad mayor and senior NCP leader Azam Pansare was considering joining the Congress. To reassure him, the NCP appointed him chairman of the Consumer Welfare Advisory Committee. When Pansare visited Mantralaya to formally take charge and thank Ajit Pawar, senior journalist Uddhav Bhadsalkar, and I accompanied him but waited outside his office. Ajit Dada asked who had come with him. When our names were mentioned, he immediately sent word through the staff asking us to come inside. As we entered, he smiled and said, ‘Journalist friends, is our relationship really so distant that you travelled all this way and chose to wait outside?’ I replied, ‘Dada, whenever you visit the city, you meet us. We thought you might want a private conversation.’ He laughed and said, ‘For me, inside or outside, it’s all the same.’ He then began signing files. In complete silence, he cleared an entire stack within five minutes. To lighten the moment, I said, ‘Dada, you disposed of so many files so quickly.’ He burst into laughter and said, ‘We’ve got such a Chief Minister that even his hand freezes while signing files. He’s always scared.’ Then, touching his head, he added with a grin, ‘I shouldn’t say such things, but somehow the words just slip out.’ That honesty, humour and spontaneity remain unforgettable.”
29 January,2026 09:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana DahiwalThe political equations in Maharashtra are likely to shift significantly following the demise of Ajit Pawar, and attention has now turned to the future of the NCP and the fate of the all-powerful finance portfolio. The immediate questions before the ruling Mahayuti alliance are twofold: who will lead the NCP faction once headed by Ajit Pawar, and whether the finance portfolio will remain with the party. For the NCP (Ajit Pawar), three options appear open. The party can continue independently with new leadership, either from Pawar’s family or among its senior leaders, while remaining part of the BJP-led government. The second option is political reunification with the NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar. While no formal discussions have begun, political observers say the finance portfolio will inevitably become a key point of negotiation in the days ahead. During the formation of the Mahayuti government comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had been keen to retain the finance department. However, Ajit Pawar’s faction strongly asserted its claim, and after intense negotiations, the portfolio remained with the NCP. In a post-Ajit Pawar scenario, many in political circles believe the BJP may continue its alliance with the NCP faction and even allow it to retain the deputy chief minister’s post, but may prefer to bring the finance department back under its control. If that happens, the portfolio could either be handled directly by Chief Minister Fadnavis or be allocated to a senior BJP minister nominated by him.The only exception would be if the NCP insists on retaining the finance ministry as a condition for staying in the alliance. In that case, the party could project former finance minister Dilip Walse Patil as a candidate. Another possibility could emerge if the two NCP factions reunite. Under such a scenario, senior leader Jayant Patil could be considered for the portfolio. Both Walse Patil and Jayant Patil have previously handled the finance department and are widely regarded as experienced administrators with deep knowledge of state finances. The third option is that the NCP remains split, with senior leaders taking over but since the next elections are far away the chances the chances of that happening are bleak.
29 January,2026 09:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev ShivadekarADVERTISEMENT
-1769669377499_d.png "Baramati plane crash killed f5 including Ajit Pawar. (Pic/PTI)")
