Had Ajit Anantrao Pawar chosen a different path, he might have found a place in Bollywood. His father, Anantrao Pawar, had worked closely with legendary filmmaker V. Shantaram. However, Ajit Pawar turned his back on cinema and embraced politics, inspired by his uncle Sharad Pawar.
Ajit Pawar (1959-2026)
Baramati: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died on Wednesday morning after a plane crash during landing in Baramati. The aircraft reportedly lost control and crashed into a field, triggering thick smoke at the site.
Officials confirmed that six people, including Pawar, were on board the plane. Initial reports suggested casualties ranging from three to six.
Emergency teams rushed to the spot, and rescue operations were immediately launched. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
Who Was Ajit Pawar?
Had Ajit Anantrao Pawar chosen a different path, he might have found a place in Bollywood. His father, Anantrao Pawar, had worked closely with legendary filmmaker V Shantaram. However, Ajit Pawar turned his back on cinema and embraced politics, inspired by his uncle Sharad Pawar.
Born into a family deeply associated with politics and public service, Ajit Pawar grew up in an environment shaped by governance and leadership. Sharad Pawar’s long tenure as Maharashtra Chief Minister and Union Minister left a lasting influence on him, steering his ambitions toward administration and political authority.
Entry into Politics Through the Cooperative Movement
Ajit Pawar began his political journey through Maharashtra’s powerful cooperative sector, a space long dominated by Sharad Pawar. Known as the backbone of rural politics in the state, cooperative institutions helped Ajit Pawar build a strong grassroots base.
In 1991, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Baramati but stepped down within months to focus on state politics. This decision marked a turning point, allowing him to consolidate his influence in Maharashtra’s power structure.
Rise in State Politics and Formation of the NCP
After winning the Baramati Assembly seat, Ajit Pawar steadily emerged as a key political force. During Sharad Pawar’s tenure as Chief Minister, he served as a Minister of State across various departments.
In 1999, when Sharad Pawar broke away from the Congress to form the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Ajit Pawar stood firmly by his side.
His political ambitions became increasingly visible after the 2009 Assembly elections. Though disappointed initially at not being appointed Deputy Chief Minister, he secured the post in 2010—beginning a phase where he would hold the position multiple times.
Why Supporters Called Him ‘Dada’
Among his followers, Ajit Pawar was popularly known as ‘Dada’-a title that symbolised authority, loyalty, and mass appeal. The name echoed across political circles, social media platforms, and educational institutions. He cultivated the image of a tough, decisive, and ambitious leader who commanded influence beyond party lines.
Controversies and the Pursuit of Power
Ajit Pawar’s career was marked by controversies, including allegations related to the irrigation department and frequent political upheavals. Yet, time and again, he managed to stage comebacks, reinforcing his reputation as a resilient power broker.
Even amid criticism, he remained one of Maharashtra’s most formidable political figures. Many believed that the Chief Minister’s chair was the ultimate goal of his political journey.
A Leader Who Chose Politics Over Glamour
Ajit Pawar’s decision to stay away from Bollywood and immerse himself in politics defined his legacy. From cooperative institutions to the Deputy Chief Minister’s office, his rise reflected ambition, strategy, and an unrelenting pursuit of power-cementing his place as a significant and controversial figure in Maharashtra’s political history.
