Ajit Pawar Biography: The morning of January 28th brought devastating news for the nation. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, lost his life in a tragic plane crash. Shockwaves have rippled across the country following the news. Five people, including Pawar, were on board the aircraft, and sadly, none survived. A video of the crash has emerged, showing the plane completely engulfed in flames.
Ajit Pawar, who left his studies after the 10th grade to enter politics at just 20, rose through the ranks to become Deputy Chief Minister for the fifth time. Here’s a closer look at his personal life and political journey.
Ajit Pawar Biography: Left studies after 10th
Ajit Pawar was born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravar village, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. His father, Anantrao Govindrao Pawar, was employed at Rajkamal Studios in Bombay. Ajit received his early education in Deolali Pravar and completed his 10th grade (SSC) at Maharashtra Education Society High School in Baramati.
He later enrolled in college, but following his father’s death, the responsibility of supporting his family fell on him. Forced to leave his studies, he dropped out of college. Despite his formal education ending at the secondary level, his practical experiences in the field gave him a profound understanding of farmers, cooperatives, and local issues, laying a strong foundation for his future political career.
Ajit Pawar Career: Entry into politics at the age of 20
He entered politics in 1982 as a board member of a cooperative sugar factory. He rose rapidly under the influence of his uncle, Sharad Pawar. In 1991, he became a Lok Sabha MP from Baramati for the first time, but later vacated the seat for Sharad Pawar. After 1999, he held several important portfolios in NCP governments, and from 2010 to the present, he has served as Chief Minister five times.
Despite rebellions, coalition shifts, and power struggles, Ajit Pawar’s hold on Baramati has always remained strong. Therefore, this plane crash, which occurred amid his continued political activity, is being seen as a major and shocking event in Maharashtra politics.
Ajit Pawar’s record as Deputy CM of Maharashtra
| Order | Post | tenure | Government/Coalition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deputy CM | 11 November 2010 – 25 September 2012 | Congress–NCP |
| 2 | Deputy CM | 7 December 2012 – 28 September 2014 | Congress–NCP |
| 3 | Deputy CM | November 23, 2019 – November 26, 2019 | Devendra Fadnavis Government (3 days) |
| 4 | Deputy CM | December 30, 2019 – June 29, 2022 | Uddhav Thackeray (MVA) Government |
| 5 | Deputy CM | July 2, 2023 – Present | Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government |
Ajit Pawar News: Left uncle Sharad Pawar’s side, chose a different path
Ajit Pawar regarded his uncle, Sharad Pawar, as his political mentor and received much of his early political training at home. Together, the uncle-nephew duo held significant influence over Maharashtra politics for many years. Under Sharad Pawar’s guidance, Ajit mastered the intricacies of power, learned the importance of cadre discipline, and honed the skill of mobilizing a strong support base.
Within the NCP, Ajit Pawar became known for his sharp, decisive political acumen. While Sharad Pawar was often seen as the soul of the party, Ajit was considered its body. Over time, however, differences in their political outlook surfaced, prompting Ajit to break away and chart his own path. Though initially seen as a risky move, his exceptional management abilities and strong influence within the party ensured his success.
