Ajit Pawar’s political journey stands apart despite his rebel image

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): The journey of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who left an indelible mark on Maharashtra politics, came to an end today. The man who was said to be invincible, lost to fate today. Ajit Pawar was seriously injured in the plane crash in Baramati on Wednesday. He was immediately rushed to a local medical college, where despite the best efforts of doctors, he could not be saved. According to PTI, a total of 5 people, including Ajit Pawar, his PSO and two crew members, have died in this tragic accident.

He breathed his last in the hospital, the accident happened in his own stronghold.

The accident occurred in Ajit Pawar's political stronghold, Baramati, a place with which he had a deep connection. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition after the plane crashed during landing, but his injuries proved fatal. Ajit Pawar was an MLA from this constituency and recently retained his seat by defeating his nephew Yugendra Pawar in the 2025 assembly elections. This accident in his own home has deeply shocked his supporters and admirers.

Remained at the center of power, but the CM's chair remained far away

Ajit Pawar was one of the few prominent figures in Maharashtra politics whose influence never diminished even after a change of government. He was considered a political player who always remained at the center of power. He set a unique record by serving as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister six times, but fate would have it that despite possessing the keys to power, the position of Chief Minister always remained a stone's throw away. From Vilasrao Deshmukh to Prithviraj Chavan and in recent governments, Ajit Pawar held significant portfolios such as Irrigation, Rural Development, and Water Resources, maintaining a firm grip on the administration.

The journey started with the cooperative

Born on July 22, 1959, Ajit Pawar inherited politics, but he made his mark through his work. At the age of 23, he joined the board of a cooperative sugar factory. His hold on the cooperative sector grew stronger. In 1991, he became the president of the Pune Central Cooperative Bank, a position he held for 16 years. He was elected MP from Baramati in 1991, but he found state politics more appealing. He began his legislative journey in 1995 and continued uninterrupted, serving seven consecutive terms until 2024. His passing today marks the end of a major chapter in Maharashtra politics.