Three days of mourning have been declared in Maharashtra following the tragic death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The seasoned politician lost his life in a plane crash while attempting to land in Baramati. The aircraft caught fire upon hitting the ground, resulting in no survivors, including two staff members and two crew members on board.
Funeral and Tributes
Thousands of followers and supporters gathered in Baramati for Ajit Pawar’s funeral, where he was cremated with full state honors. Home Minister Amit Shah was expected to attend and pay respects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Pawar as a “leader of the people,” recognizing his dedicated service to Maharashtra.
Political Legacy
Ajit Pawar had a longstanding political career, serving multiple terms as deputy chief minister. He was affiliated with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which he joined in 1980. Born into a prominent political family, he was considered a potential successor to his uncle, Sharad Pawar, the party’s founder. However, their differing styles created tension between them.
Key Political Developments
- In 2023, Ajit Pawar formed a faction within the NCP, aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- This move led to a division within the NCP, with Pawar’s faction taking the party name and symbol.
- He was reappointed as deputy chief minister after the BJP’s success in the 2024 state elections.
- Recent discussions indicated a potential merger of the rival NCP factions.
Impact on Maharashtra Politics
The unexpected death of Ajit Pawar has created a significant power vacuum in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Questions loom over the future leadership of the NCP and whether it can reunite after its recent division. The transition in leadership will undoubtedly shape the state’s political direction in the months ahead.
