Who Was Ajit Pawar? The Baramati Strongman Who Passed Away in Tragic Plane Crash

Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, lost his life along with four others in a plane crash on January 28. The state’s most influential political figures died in a plane crash at Baramati in Pune District. He was 66 years-old. Ajit Pawar was accompanied by his personal security officer, an attendant, and two crew members. The VT-SSK Learjet 45 crash-landed near the threshold of Runway 11 at Baramati airport during landing. As per the information shared by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), all five people on board were killed.

Ajit Pawar, in his political career spanning across decades, was full of administrative grip, sharp political instincts, and an unvarnished public style. He was a great leader from Baramati, loved by the masses. He played a powerful role in governments across party lines and eras.

Known for his firm administrative control and sharp political judgement, Pawar carved a reputation as a leader who prioritised outcomes over optics. His public persona—direct, impatient with delays, and often blunt—set him apart in an era of cautious political messaging. Over the years, he emerged as a central figure in coalition politics, wielding influence that extended beyond party lines and government tenures, making him a constant presence in Maharashtra’s power structure.

Also Read: Ajit Pawar Passes Away: Amit Shah Condoles Demise of Maharashtra Deputy CM In Plane Crash

Born on July 22, 1959, Ajit Anantrao Pawar entered public life early, guided initially by the mentorship of his uncle, veteran leader Sharad Pawar. Growing up in Baramati, a region deeply entrenched in cooperative and agrarian politics, he quickly developed an understanding of grassroots mobilisation and institutional power. While his early political journey was shaped by legacy, Pawar gradually asserted himself as an independent force. His rise reflected a mix of organisational strength, electoral resilience, and a deep familiarity with the socio-economic dynamics of rural Maharashtra.

Over time, Ajit Pawar evolved into a political strategist known for his command over numbers, bureaucracy, and legislative negotiations. He served multiple terms as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, cutting across shifting alliances and changing governments. His repeated returns to the post highlighted both his personal influence and his strategic importance in coalition arithmetic. Regardless of the ruling formation, Pawar often remained indispensable, reinforcing his image as a leader who could navigate instability while maintaining control over key decision-making processes within the state administration.

Pawar was closely associated with major portfolios such as finance, irrigation, and rural development—sectors critical to Maharashtra’s agrarian economy. Supporters credited him with decisive governance, fiscal clarity, and a strong grip over cooperative institutions, especially in the sugar belt. Critics, however, accused him of centralising authority and promoting an aggressive political culture. His career frequently attracted controversy, including allegations related to irrigation projects and sharp public remarks that sparked political debates, keeping him consistently in the public spotlight.

Despite criticism, Ajit Pawar remained electorally dominant in Baramati and influential across Maharashtra’s cooperative networks. A major political turning point came with the split in the Nationalist Congress Party, when he led a faction that broke away from Sharad Pawar. The move reshaped political loyalties and altered the state’s governing equations. Seen by supporters as pragmatic and by critics as opportunistic, Pawar’s decision cemented his reputation as a hard-nosed politician willing to challenge legacy for power, redefining his role in Maharashtra’s contemporary politics.

People who were with Ajit Pawar during the Baramati plane crash

Deputy Chief Minister: Ajit Pawar
Captain: Sumit Kapoor
Captain: Shambhavi Pathak
Bodyguard: Videep Jadhav
Cabin crew: Pinki Mali