The sudden death of Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and a titan of state politics, has plunged the nation into mourning.
The 66-year-old leader was killed when his chartered Learjet 45XR crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport. The aircraft, flying from Mumbai, burst into flames after a second approach in challenging conditions. His security officer, Vidip Jadhav, flight attendant Pinky Mali, and pilots Sumit Kapoor and Shambhavi Pathak were also killed during the crash.
Affectionately known as “Dada,” Pawar was a powerhouse administrator who transformed Baramati from a drought-prone region into a global industrial and agricultural hub. Over a 44-year career, he became the state’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister, holding the office six times. A protégé of his uncle Sharad Pawar, Ajit made his debut in 1982 within the cooperative sector before winning the Baramati seat in 1991. He represented the constituency for nine consecutive terms, often winning by record margins.
Renowned for his corporate-style efficiency, Pawar famously began his workdays at 6:00 AM, personally inspecting infrastructure projects like the Pune Metro and major irrigation schemes. His "Dadacha Vada" (Brother's Promise) became a symbol of political reliability, as he was known to never mince words with the public. He is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP and social worker, and their two sons, Parth and Jay Pawar. His family stood as his firmest support during the 2023 party split, with Sunetra often describing Baramati's voters as "Dada's true family." Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has declared three days of state mourning for the man widely regarded as the "sculptor of Nava Maharashtra," whose tireless 16-hour workdays were dedicated to the state’s prosperity.