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A look back at the remarkable political journey of Ajit Pawar, the six-time Deputy Chief Minister and Baramati’s enduring leader.
Ajit Pawar: A Life in Politics
Ajit Pawar, the NCP leader and Baramati stalwart, passed away leaving behind a remarkable political legacy in Maharashtra. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he became a symbol of resilience, political adaptability, and electoral dominance in the state.
Baramati: The family stronghold
Born on July 22, 1959, in Ahmednagar, Ajit Pawar lost his father, Anantrao Pawar, at the age of 18. Mentored by his uncle, Sharad Pawar, he entered public life in 1982, first elected to a cooperative sugar factory board. Baramati, the Pawar family bastion, remained unconquered by rival parties for decades. Ajit represented Baramati as MLA continuously since 1991, winning the seat eight times and securing victories both on Congress and NCP tickets.
Rise in cooperative and state politics
Ajit Pawar’s early political journey was deeply tied to Maharashtra’s cooperative sector. He became chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank in 1991, a position he held for 16 years, cementing his influence in rural politics. That same year, he briefly entered the Lok Sabha but vacated the seat after Sharad Pawar joined the central government as Defence Minister.
Deputy Chief Minister and key portfolios
Ajit Pawar’s ministerial career included crucial portfolios such as irrigation, water resources, and finance. He was first appointed Deputy Chief Minister in 2010 and went on to serve in this role six times. His political journey was not without controversy, he resigned in 2012 amid allegations but returned after being cleared in an NCP white paper. In 2019, he made headlines by briefly taking oath alongside Devendra Fadnavis, though that government lasted only 80 hours.
Legacy of leadership
In 2023, Ajit Pawar split from the NCP and joined the BJP-led alliance, showcasing his political adaptability and enduring relevance. Known affectionately as “Dada,” his career reflected the power of cooperative politics, electoral strength, and administrative skill. His death marks the end of an era in Maharashtra politics, leaving a lasting imprint on Baramati and the state at large.
