MUMBAI – In a shocking tragedy that has gripped Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar lost his life in a plane crash near Baramati on Wednesday morning. All passengers aboard the ill-fated aircraft perished in the devastating accident, sending ripples of grief across the state.
The news of Pawar’s untimely demise has drawn an outpouring of sorrow not just from political circles but from every corner of society. Cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Ajinkya Rahane were among the first to express their heartfelt condolences on social media.
Tendulkar, the Master Blaster, posted on X: ‘Deeply saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Ajit Pawar. Maharashtra has lost a dedicated leader who worked tirelessly for the people of the state. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.’
Rahane echoed similar sentiments, writing: ‘Heartbroken by the tragic demise of Maharashtra’s Deputy CM Ajit Pawar dada. My thoughts are with his family.’
Ajit Pawar was a towering figure in Maharashtra politics, known for his sharp acumen and unwavering commitment. Born on July 22, 1959, in Devalali Pravar in Ahmednagar district, he entered politics under the guidance of his uncle, NCP chief Sharad Pawar. As the son of Sharad’s elder brother Anantrao Pawar, Ajit stepped into the political arena after his father’s early death forced him to abandon studies.
His political journey began at age 23 in 1982 with a cooperative sugar mill board election. By 1991, he chaired the Pune Central Cooperative Bank for 16 years and even won a Lok Sabha seat from Baramati, later vacating it for Sharad Pawar.
From 1995 onwards, Pawar dominated Baramati assembly constituency, securing victories in 1995, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024. Baramati remains the Pawar family’s impregnable fortress.
Pawar held the Deputy CM post multiple times, overseeing key portfolios like agriculture, energy, planning, rural development, and water resources. He spearheaded Krishna Valley and Konkan irrigation projects, transforming Baramati’s agricultural landscape and bolstering cooperatives.
Married to Sunetra Pawar since 1985, he leaves behind two children, Parth and Jay Pawar.
As Maharashtra mourns, Pawar’s legacy of development and leadership will endure, leaving an irreplaceable void in state politics.