Who will carry forward Ajit Pawar’s political legacy? Click here for details

RIP: Ajit Pawar (1959-2026)

New Delhi: The sudden death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a tragic plane crash has left a deep void in state politics.

Along with four others, Ajit Pawar lost his life on Wednesday, bringing an abrupt end to a political career that shaped Maharashtra’s power corridors for over three decades.

Nowhere is this absence felt more strongly than Baramati, the assembly constituency Ajit Pawar dominated for nearly 35 years. Even as the state mourns, political discussions have already begun around one crucial question: who will inherit Ajit Pawar’s legacy in Baramati?

Baramati: The Unbreakable Pawar Fortress

Baramati is not just a constituency-it is the epicentre of Pawar family politics. Since 1967, the seat has remained firmly under the family’s control, making it one of Maharashtra’s most politically symbolic regions.

Early Phase: Before the Pawars Took Over (1952–1962)

• 1952: Gulabrao Mulik (Congress) became the first MLA
• 1957: Nanasaheb Jagtap (PWP) won
• 1962: Maltibai Shirole (Congress) was elected
• The Sharad Pawar Era Begins (1967-1991)
• In 1967, Sharad Pawar entered the Maharashtra Assembly from Baramati-and never looked back.
• Sharad Pawar won six consecutive elections between 1967 and 1990
• He contested under multiple banners: Congress, Congress (U), and Congress (Socialist)
• These victories cemented Baramati as the Pawar family stronghold
• Sharad Pawar moved to the Lok Sabha in 1991, opening the door for the next chapter.
• Ajit Pawar’s Unchallenged Reign (1991-2024)
• Ajit Pawar took over Baramati in a 1991 by-election and ruled the seat uninterrupted for over three decades.
• Victories in 1991, 1995, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024
• Every win came with huge margins, making him nearly invincible
• Even family rivals failed to dislodge him
• 2024: When Baramati Witnessed ‘Pawar vs Pawar’
• The NCP split in 2023 led to a historic family face-off in 2024.
• Ajit Pawar (NCP) vs Yugendra Pawar (NCP-SP)
• Ajit Pawar won by 1,00,899 votes
• Despite defeat, Yugendra emerged as a serious challenger
• This election changed Baramati’s political tone forever.
• The Baramati Formula: ‘Tai for Delhi, Dada for Vidhan Sabha’
• For decades, Baramati voters followed an unwritten rule:
• Supriya Sule (Tai) for the Lok Sabha
• Ajit Pawar (Dada) for the Assembly

Even after the NCP split, Supriya Sule retained her dominance, defeating Sunetra Pawar in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

With Supriya Sule’s parliamentary position stable, attention has now shifted entirely to Ajit Pawar’s successor in Baramati.

Who Can Inherit Ajit Pawar’s Legacy? Key Contenders
1. Sunetra Pawar: The Political Heir Apparent

Ajit Pawar’s wife and current Rajya Sabha MP, Sunetra Pawar is seen as the most immediate option.

• Chairperson of a Baramati-based textile company
• Polled nearly 40% votes against Supriya Sule in 2024
• Strong organisational backing from Ajit Pawar loyalists

2. Parth Pawar: A Familiar Name, Missing Ground Presence

Ajit Pawar’s elder son Parth Pawar has political experience but limited visibility.

• Contested Maval Lok Sabha seat (2019)-lost
• Recently linked to the Mundhwa land deal controversy (2025)
• Lacks sustained grassroots engagement
• Still, he remains a possible “safe face” for the Ajit Pawar camp.

3. Jay Pawar: The Soft Launch Candidate

Ajit Pawar’s younger son Jay Pawar has not formally entered politics-but signs are emerging.

• Recently seen touring rural Baramati
• Interacting with local workers and villagers
• Ajit Pawar had earlier hinted at Jay’s possible candidature
• Political observers view this as a strategic soft launch.

4. Rohit Pawar: Sharad Pawar’s Groomed Leader

Rohit Pawar, Sharad Pawar’s grand-nephew, is another influential name.

• MLA from Karjat-Jamkhed (2019, 2024)
• Groomed personally by Sharad Pawar
• Narrow 2024 victory margin drew criticism-even from Ajit Pawar

Though Rohit has never expressed interest in Baramati, the NCP (SP) may consider him if they aim to reclaim the fortress.

5. Yugendra Pawar: ‘Nava Dada’ of Baramati

Despite losing in 2024, Yugendra Pawar has emerged as a serious alternative power centre.

• Polled 29% votes against Ajit Pawar
• Popular among workers as ‘Nava Dada’
• Seen as Sharad Pawar’s counterweight to Ajit Pawar’s legacy

Many believe Yugendra is being carefully groomed for a future showdown in Baramati.

What Lies Ahead for Baramati?

Ajit Pawar’s death marks the end of an era—but not the end of the Pawar political saga. Baramati now stands at a crossroads, where legacy, loyalty, and leadership will determine its next ruler.