Ajit Pawar, the late Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, was not only an influential political person, but also one of the richest leaders in the state. In January 2026, his sudden death stunned the nation, and it highlights his long career, influence in coalition politics as well as his financial position. Pawar’s net worth of more than ₹120 crore, as reported, showed his close connections to agriculture, cooperative institutions and real estate. This essay discusses his fortune, profession and the legacy he leaves.
When Ajit Pawar died, his declared net worth was believed to have reached a respectable ₹124 crore. His assets ranged from agricultural land, housing and commercial properties, motor vehicles, and investment in cooperative institutions. According to his election affidavits, he also had liabilities of approximately ₹21 crore. His wealth evolved over decades in politics and cooperative movements. Pawar’s financial disclosures helped to draw public attention when it became evident how far-reaching his impact under governance and his wealth was in Maharashtra's economy and politics.
Ajit Pawar’s fortune came from a variety of sources:
- Real Estate: He owned properties within its borders in Pune, Baramati and other parts of Maharashtra.
- Agricultural holdings: Extensive lands linked to cooperative plants and sugar plants.
- Business Interests: Investments in sugar factories and cooperative societies that are at the heart of Maharashtra’s rural economy.
- Movable Assets: Cars, machinery, and other personal property.
- Financial Assets: Bank deposits, bonds, interest, and investment.
That mixture of assets demonstrated his close ties to rural and urban Maharashtra.
Ajit Pawar’s wealth was offset by his political might. He was a legislator for more than 30 years, representing Baramati since 1991. His portfolios that were significant were finance, water resources and planning. Quick decisions and good administration skills as a politician. Farmers respected him for his water management work, while urban dwellers appreciated his financial planning. Pawar served as Deputy Chief Minister six times, and among the tenures of other government politicians, he was one of the longest-serving in that capacity. There was no better one capable of managing coalitions. Maharashtra, generally, would have governments built of alliances and Pawar figured prominently in balancing the interests of the NCP with BJP and Shiv Sena.
A toughness-versus-accessibility-style of leadership was Ajit Pawar’s hallmark. He made firm decisions but was accessible to those who asked for help. His activities in cooperative institutions, sugar factories and farmer groups made him a multi-dimensional leader who engaged with rural and urban areas alike.
Ajit Pawar’s wealth was not only an indicator of personal attainment, but a sign of his impact also in Maharashtra’s cooperative and political systems, also showed his significance and power in both forms of public policy. His position as a financial asset helped him secure his presence in Baramati and power brokers in state politics remained for some time to come. In that regard, his death raises the question of the fate of NCP and how Maharashtra’s balance of power in the state functions going forward. The political and monetary next steps now lie with the party in terms of finding someone to follow in his footsteps.
A life of political power and financial might, Ajit Pawar. His net worth had its roots in farming, cooperatives and governance. His sudden death has created a void of thought for today in Maharashtra and left the NCP in a state with questions about whether its future looks bright. To the people of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar will be counted as little more than a politician. Still, for them that may be something else entirely. His is one of resilience, of power, of service and will continue to reverberate throughout Maharashtra well over his last flight.
