Ajit Anantrao Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a towering figure in Indian politics, who died this morning (January 28, 2026), at the age of 66. He perished along with four others when the chartered Learjet 45 he was travelling in crashed during landing at Baramati airstrip in Pune district. The tragic accident occurred as he returned from Mumbai to his hometown to campaign ahead of local elections.
Born on July 22, 1959, in Katewadi village near Baramati, Ajit Pawar was the nephew of veteran nationalist leader Sharad Pawar. Groomed in the rough-and-tumble of Maharashtra politics from a young age, he entered the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in 1991, representing Baramati—a seat he held for over three decades. Known affectionately as “Dada,” he served as Deputy Chief Minister multiple times, first under Congress-NCP governments and later in alliances with the BJP and Shiv Sena.
Ajit Pawar’s political career was marked by bold decisions and a reputation for administrative efficiency. He played a pivotal role in transforming Baramati into a model of development, spearheading major irrigation projects, water conservation initiatives, and infrastructure growth that earned him both admiration and criticism. His focus on agriculture and rural welfare left an indelible impact on Maharashtra’s economy. In 2023, he led a significant split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), aligning with the ruling Mahayuti alliance and continuing his influential role in state governance.
A seasoned strategist and man of action, Ajit Pawar was respected across party lines for his accessibility and commitment to public service. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra and the nation, cutting short a career defined by resilience and dedication.
He is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, son Parth Pawar, and a large extended family. Maharashtra has declared three days of state mourning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders from all parties have expressed deep grief, remembering him as a leader of the people.
Ajit Pawar’s legacy as a champion of development will endure. May his soul rest in peace.
