Mumbai: A tragic incident has unfolded in Maharashtra as Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has reportedly died in a plane crash in Baramati. Preliminary reports suggest that a technical failure was responsible for the mishap, which occurred during an emergency landing one hour after the aircraft took off from Mumbai. The plane caught fire, leading to the loss of lives, including that of Ajit Pawar, two personal staff members, and two crew members, as confirmed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The news of Ajit Pawar’s untimely demise has left his family members and supporters in deep grief, with many shedding tears over the shocking loss of a prominent political figure. Pawar’s political journey began in his native village of Kathewadi, located in the Baramati taluk of Pune district. Born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali (Pravar) in Ahmednagar district, Ajit was the son of Anantrao Pawar, a senior political leader and brother of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar.
Ajit Pawar completed his early education in Deolali before moving to Mumbai for his college education. After finishing his studies, he returned to Baramati, where he initiated social and political activities through local cooperative societies. His entry into politics dates back to 1982 when he was elected to the board of directors of a cooperative sugar factory. Following that, he served as the chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank for 16 years.
In 1991, Ajit Pawar was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Baramati parliamentary constituency, marking his first significant political victory. He later sacrificed that seat for his uncle Sharad Pawar to enter state politics. Ajit Pawar won the Baramati Assembly seat in the by-elections in 1991 and has since been re-elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the same constituency seven times.
At the time of his death, Ajit Pawar was serving as the Deputy Chief Minister in the Mahayuti government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. His contributions to Maharashtra’s political landscape are well recognized, and he will be remembered for his significant impact on the state’s cooperative movement and governance.
The sudden loss of Ajit Pawar is not only a blow to his family and followers but also a significant loss to the political fabric of Maharashtra. As the state mourns, tributes and condolences are pouring in from various political leaders and the public, reflecting on his legacy and the void his departure has left in the hearts of many.
