Ajit Pawar biography covers the Maharashtra Deputy CM’s political journey, wife Sunetra, ₹124 crore net worth, and his tragic plane crash death in 2026.
Who is Ajit Pawar?
Ajit Pawar biography chronicles the life of one of Maharashtra’s most powerful politicians. Born Ajit Anantrao Pawar on 22 July 1959 in Deolali Pravara, Ahmednagar district, he served as the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, holding the position six times. Tragically, he died at age 66 on 28 January 2026 in a plane crash at Baramati Airport.
Pawar’s political journey spanned over four decades, during which he became known as “Dada” (elder brother) among supporters. As the nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar, founder of the Nationalist Congress Party, Ajit carved his own identity through administrative efficiency and firm grip over Maharashtra’s cooperative sector.
The late politician represented the Baramati Assembly constituency seven consecutive times since 1991, transforming it into a model constituency through investments in infrastructure and irrigation. His political acumen made him indispensable in government formations across different political alignments.
Pawar’s career witnessed dramatic twists, including a brief 80-hour government with the BJP in 2019 and the controversial NCP split in 2023 when he parted ways with his uncle Sharad Pawar.
Quick Facts Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ajit Anantrao Pawar |
| Date of Birth | 22 July 1959 |
| Date of Death | 28 January 2026 |
| Age at Death | 66 years old |
| Place of Birth | Deolali Pravara, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Political Party | Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) |
| Position Held | Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra (6 terms) |
| Constituency | Baramati Assembly |
| Wife | Sunetra Pawar (MP, Rajya Sabha) |
| Children | Parth Pawar, Jay Pawar |
| Father | Anantrao Pawar |
| Mother | Ashatai Pawar |
| Uncle | Sharad Pawar (NCP Founder) |
| Education | School education in Deolali Pravara |
| Net Worth | ₹124 crore (declared assets) |
Early Life and Background
Ajit Pawar was born into a family with deep roots in Maharashtra’s cooperative movement. His grandfather, Govindrao Pawar, was actively involved in cooperative institutions in Baramati, whilst his grandmother Shardabai Pawar focused on rural community work.
His father, Anantrao Pawar, worked at the famous Rajkamal Studios in Mumbai with legendary director V. Shantaram. Anantrao was the elder brother of Sharad Pawar, creating the family link that shaped Ajit’s political destiny. Tragically, Anantrao passed away when Ajit was just 18 years old, forcing the young man to shoulder family responsibilities.
Growing up in rural Maharashtra exposed Ajit to the struggles of farmers. These formative experiences planted the seeds of empathy for farmers’ causes that influenced his political priorities. His elder brother Shriniwas became a businessman and his sister Vijaya Patil worked in media until her death in 2017.
Educational Background
Pawar attended school in Deolali Pravara in Ahmednagar district. His educational journey was interrupted following his father’s death, leading him to discontinue college studies to support his family.
Despite not completing formal higher education, Pawar developed deep expertise in governance and financial management through practical experience. His understanding of cooperative banking, irrigation systems, and state budgets came from decades of hands-on involvement rather than academic training.
Career Journey
Ajit Pawar’s political career began in 1982 when he was elected to the board of a cooperative sugar factory, following his uncle Sharad Pawar. The cooperative sector in western Maharashtra served as his political launchpad.
In 1991, he was elected chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank, holding the position for 16 years. That same year, he won the Lok Sabha seat from Baramati, later vacating it for his uncle Sharad Pawar, who became Defence Minister in Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao’s government.
Pawar then won the Baramati Assembly seat in a 1991 by-election, retaining it through seven consecutive elections. His ministerial portfolios included Agriculture, Power, Irrigation, Water Resources, Finance, Planning, and Rural Development.
He served as Deputy Chief Minister six times under different Chief Ministers. In November 2019, he briefly formed a government with BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis, which collapsed within 80 hours. In July 2023, he led a split in the NCP, joining the Mahayuti alliance. The Election Commission awarded his faction the NCP name and symbol in February 2024.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Joined sugar cooperative board | Political debut |
| 1991 | Elected to Lok Sabha from Baramati | First electoral victory |
| 1991 | Won Baramati Assembly seat | State politics entry |
| 1999 | First tenure as Deputy CM | Cabinet minister under NCP-Congress |
| 2019 | Brief BJP alliance (80 hours) | Dramatic political move |
| 2023 | Split NCP, joined Mahayuti | Parted from uncle Sharad Pawar |
| 2024 | Sixth term as Deputy CM | Under Devendra Fadnavis |
| 2026 | Died in plane crash | Tragic end at 66 |
Personal Life and Relationships
Ajit Pawar married Sunetra Pawar, daughter of former Maharashtra Minister Padamsinh Bajirao Patil. Sunetra is a politician and social worker, currently serving as Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. She founded the Environmental Forum of India in 2010, promoting organic farming and environmental conservation.
The couple had two sons. Parth Pawar, the elder son, contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Maval constituency but lost. He has since maintained a low public profile. Jay Pawar, the younger son, pursued business interests and married Rutuja Patil in December 2025.
Despite the 2023 political split with his uncle Sharad Pawar, family bonds remained. Ajit’s cousin Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter and MP from Baramati, expressed devastation upon learning of his death.
Net Worth and Financial Profile
According to his 2024 election affidavit, Ajit Pawar declared total assets worth approximately ₹124 crore. His personal declared assets stood at ₹45.37 crore, comprising movable assets of ₹8.22 crore and immovable assets exceeding ₹37 crore.
His portfolio included multiple residential properties, agricultural land, and commercial properties across Maharashtra. His vehicles included a Toyota Camry and Honda CR-V, along with tractors for agricultural purposes. He held investments in shares worth approximately ₹8.5 crore.
His liabilities stood at approximately ₹21.39 crore. His wife Sunetra Pawar owned four flats valued collectively at over ₹22 crore and held substantial bank deposits exceeding ₹3.7 crore.
Major Achievements
Ajit Pawar served as Maharashtra’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister across six terms. He transformed Baramati into a model constituency through investments in irrigation, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
As Finance Minister, he presented multiple state budgets and earned recognition for detailed fiscal planning. His tenure overseeing irrigation and water resources portfolios saw significant expansion of canal networks and dam projects across Maharashtra.
He played crucial roles in multiple government formations, demonstrating exceptional skills in alliance negotiations and floor management. His ability to maintain MLA support through various political realignments showcased his organisational capabilities.
Final Thoughts
Ajit Pawar’s sudden death in the Baramati plane crash on 28 January 2026 ended a remarkable political career spanning over four decades. Known for his punctuality, administrative efficiency, and direct approach, he left an indelible mark on Maharashtra’s political landscape.
His journey from a young man forced to abandon education after his father’s death to becoming the state’s longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister exemplifies resilience and political acumen. His supporters remember him as “Dada” who delivered results and remained accessible to ordinary citizens.
The political vacuum created by his death raises questions about succession within the NCP and the Pawar family’s continued dominance in western Maharashtra.
FAQs About Ajit Pawar
How did Ajit Pawar die?
Ajit Pawar died on 28 January 2026 when the chartered Learjet 45XR aircraft carrying him crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport. The plane overran the runway and burst into flames, killing all five people on board.
Who is Ajit Pawar’s wife?
Ajit Pawar’s wife is Sunetra Pawar, a politician and social worker currently serving as Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. She is the daughter of former Maharashtra Minister Padamsinh Bajirao Patil.
What was Ajit Pawar’s net worth?
Ajit Pawar declared total assets worth approximately ₹124 crore in his 2024 election affidavit. His personal declared assets stood at ₹45.37 crore, with liabilities of approximately ₹21.39 crore.
How many times did Ajit Pawar serve as Deputy Chief Minister?
Ajit Pawar served as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra six times, making him the longest-serving Deputy CM in the state’s history. He served under Chief Ministers Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde.
What was Ajit Pawar’s relationship with Sharad Pawar?
Ajit Pawar was the nephew of veteran politician Sharad Pawar, founder of the NCP. Ajit’s father Anantrao was Sharad Pawar’s elder brother. In July 2023, Ajit split from his uncle’s faction and joined the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance.
How many children did Ajit Pawar have?
Ajit Pawar had two sons with wife Sunetra. Parth Pawar, the elder son, contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections but lost. Jay Pawar, the younger son, is a businessman who married Rutuja Patil in December 2025.
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