Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has been recently killed by a plane crash that rocked the state and also shocked the nation. Ajit Pawar, a prominent leader believed by some to be one of the most powerful leaders in Maharashtra’s political life, the deaths of Ajit Pawar signify not only the death of one politician but also the loss of a visionary who has shaped years of governance in our state. No one can take any griever's place in public life and no matter what the hue of those he led.
Ajit Pawar was a senior leader of the NCP and nephew of the long-time politician Sharad Pawar. He developed his own character too: he came across as a vigorous officer and a forceful leader. He had a number of important portfolios, including several on finance and water resources, and he is famous for rapid decision making. His political path was bumpy but made a central role in coalition state politics as a whole in Maharashtra, with Ajit Pawar's rise through his time there as the leader of a two party coalition. Many people called him a power broker. As Deputy Chief Minister he was well known for balancing the powers of the NCP, BJP and Shiv Sena within the coalition he ruled as President of Maharashtra.
Ajit Pawar’s plane crashed near Baramati in Pune district while attempting to land. The accident claimed his life along with several others on board. The news was quickly spread and, within hours, shock and grief flooded from across the country. Leaders all over the political spectrum offered their condolences, and normal folks carried the burden of losing a leader who had been an everyday presence in their political life for decades. The crash is being investigated, however, this week will focus on mourning and revering Ajit Pawar contributions.
The untimely death of Ajit Pawar reveals a gaping hole in political leadership in Maharashtra. Not only was he the Deputy Chief Minister, but a major strategist for the NCP. His facility with coalitions and a strong presence in state assembly saw him become a backbone of the government. In his absence, the NCP will have to figure out how to figure out a new leader who can not only carry on with him, but who can maintain his legacy and party influence. The ruling coalition will also have to reassess its power structure. Ajit Pawar’s absence could shift more influence toward BJP and Shiv Sena, but also points to questions of what the NCP will do with this new NCP of course.
The reaction has been one of deep sorrow. Ajit Pawar was known as a leader who felt not only for farmers, workers, and urban populace. His expertise in water resources administration and financial management won him respect, even if not widespread appreciation, from his critics. There in Baramati, his native land, hundreds of people turned out to pay their respects. Across Maharashtra, candlelight vigils and prayer meetings were coordinated. Messages of grief flooded through social media, many calling him a “leader of the people.”
Ajit Pawar’s legacy rests on his capacity to meld political power with administrative prowess. When not tough he was, but when in need of support, he was also easy to approach. And his unexpected death serves as an eerie reminder of the frailty of life and the vagaries of politics. For Maharashtra, his absence is going to be felt in every branch of government. For the NCP, it represents a moment of reconstruction and reflection. The people, it is the loss of a known face in the middle of their political story. That’s what we miss the most (and should be missing!).
The passing of Ajit Pawar is not just an event of politics: It strikes a chord among millions. His leadership, his decisions and mere existence have molded Maharashtra for decades. As the state mourns, the new challenge will be to keep his memory alive by doing what he wanted to do: creating a strong, fair and inclusive Maharashtra.
