Ajit Pawar is a 66-year-old Indian politician and prominent figure. He tragically died on 28th January, 2026 through a plane crash on his way to Baramati for election campaign.
Ajit Pawar Biography — Age, Background, Political Career, Net Worth & Death in Plane Crash
Who Was Ajit Pawar?
Ajit Anantrao Pawar was an influential Indian politician and senior leader in Maharashtra, widely regarded as one of the state’s most powerful figures over the past three decades. A member and leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction, he held key offices in the state government and played a central role in shaping Maharashtra’s political landscape before his sudden death in 2026.
Pawar was often referred to as “Dada” — a Marathi term of respect — due to his grassroots presence in rural politics and long tenure in public service.
Ajit Pawar Age and Date of Birth
Ajit Pawar was born on 22 July 1959 in the village of Deolali Pravara in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India.
He was 66 years old at the time of his death on 28 January 2026.
Family Background and Early Life
Ajit Pawar came from a politically prominent family. He was the nephew of Sharad Pawar, the veteran Maharashtra leader and founder of the NCP.
Growing up in rural Maharashtra, his early life was shaped by agricultural issues and cooperative movements, which later formed the basis of his political ideology and career.
Educational Background
While detailed records of Ajit Pawar’s formal education are limited in public sources, his early responsibilities in agriculture and cooperative institutions helped build a foundation for his political career.
Political Career and Ascendancy
Ajit Pawar’s political career spanned more than three decades, during which he:
- Started in the cooperative movement, winning a board seat in a sugar factory in 1982.
- Served as Chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank for 16 years.
- Entered electoral politics by winning the Baramati seat in 1991.
- Became a six-time MLA from Baramati, establishing a strong political base in the region.
- Served six terms as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra under multiple chief ministers, including Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde.
- Held key portfolios such as Finance & Planning, Irrigation, Water Resources, Energy, Rural Development, and State Excise.
Pawar was widely respected for his administrative skills and deep involvement in Maharashtra’s budgetary processes, earning a reputation as one of the state’s most hands-on finance ministers.
Political Realignments and Party Identity
In 2023, Ajit Pawar led a vertical split in the Nationalist Congress Party, forming his own faction that aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Maha Yuti alliance.
In early 2024, the Election Commission of India recognised his faction as the official NCP with the party name and symbol, giving his group organisational legitimacy and control over the “Clock” symbol.
Despite these shifts, Ajit Pawar maintained significant influence until his death.
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Controversies and Criticisms
Like many long-serving politicians, Ajit Pawar’s career was not without controversies:
- Political defections and party splits drew criticism from both opponents and members of the original NCP.
- His strategic realignments and alliances with different governments were often seen as opportunistic by critics.
- While not central to major corruption cases himself, his political landscape involved complex disputes and debates over governance.
However, his supporters argued that these moves were tactical decisions to maintain political stability and influence in the state.
Ajit Pawar Net Worth and Financial Profile
Ajit Pawar’s official asset disclosures and net worth details were part of standard electoral filings; his wealth was tied to political service, family holdings, and property in Maharashtra. Specific figures vary and are subject to public records, but his position as a senior political leader implied a comfortable financial status built over decades of public service.
Death in Plane Crash — What Happened
On 28 January 2026, Ajit Pawar died in a tragic plane crash while travelling from Mumbai to Baramati for election campaigning.
He was aboard a chartered Learjet 45 aircraft that attempted to land at Baramati Airport in western Maharashtra. The plane crash-landed and burst into flames, killing all five people on board, including Pawar, two crew members, and two of his staff.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed there were no survivors, and investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
His death shocked Maharashtra and the national political community, with flags lowered across the state and three days of official mourning declared.
Legacy and Public Reaction
Ajit Pawar’s sudden death triggered an outpouring of grief from political leaders, supporters, and citizens across Maharashtra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned his passing, highlighting Pawar’s commitment to public service and development.
Tributes came from across political lines, reflecting his decades of influence and role as a strategic administrator in state and coalition politics.
Conclusion
Ajit Pawar’s life was defined by three decades of political leadership in Maharashtra. From his early days in the cooperative movement to becoming a six-time deputy chief minister, he shaped policy, governance, and political strategy in one of India’s most significant states.
His tragic death in a plane crash in Baramati cut short a pivotal political journey and left a lasting impact on Maharashtra’s political landscape.
FAQ — Ajit Pawar Biography
1. Who was Ajit Pawar?
Ajit Pawar was a senior Indian politician and six-time Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
2. How old was Ajit Pawar when he died?
He was 66 years old.
3. Where was Ajit Pawar from?
He was born in Deolali Pravara, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, India.
4. How did Ajit Pawar die?
He died in a plane crash near Baramati when his chartered aircraft crashed during an attempted landing.
5. What was Ajit Pawar’s political party?
He led a faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) recognised by the Election Commission.
6. What roles did he serve in government?
He served as Deputy Chief Minister and held portfolios like Finance, Irrigation, and Water Resources.
7. Was Ajit Pawar controversial?
Yes, his political realignments and party splits drew criticism.
8. Did Ajit Pawar ever become Chief Minister?
No, he served as Deputy Chief Minister but never as Chief Minister.
9. Did leaders mourn his death?
Yes — leaders like PM Narendra Modi expressed sorrow.
10. Is the cause of the crash known?
The crash is under investigation by aviation authorities.