Ajit Pawar, one of Maharashtra’s most influential finance policymakers and a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), passed away at the age of 66 in a tragic plane crash. Widely regarded as the architect of several Maharashtra budgets, Pawar played a decisive role in shaping the state’s fiscal strategy, infrastructure spending, and development priorities over multiple tenures as Finance Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

Key Highlights

• Veteran NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar died in a tragic plane crash at 66.
• Known as Maharashtra’s budget architect, Pawar shaped state finances and coalition politics for decades.

The private Learjet 45 aircraft, reportedly en route from Mumbai to Baramati where Pawar was due to attend public meetings ahead of local elections, went down during an emergency landing attempt. Visuals from the crash site showed debris and smoke, underscoring the severity of the incident.

Pawar’s political career spanned more than three decades. Born on 22 July 1959 in Deolali Pravara in Ahmednagar district, he rose through the ranks of Maharashtra’s political landscape, beginning with active involvement in the cooperative movement and later representing the Baramati Assembly constituency for multiple terms. Known for his deep engagement in state finances, Pawar served as Finance and Planning Minister on several occasions and was widely credited with shaping Maharashtra’s budgetary framework and fiscal policies.

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A seasoned strategist, Pawar also played a key role in coalition negotiations and government formations in the state. His distinctive political journey included key tenures as Deputy Chief Minister under various administrations, earning him respect across party lines for his administrative skills and grassroots connect.

Tributes poured in from leaders across the political spectrum in the wake of his death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned Pawar’s passing, describing him as “a leader of the people” and highlighting his significant contributions to Maharashtra’s development and governance.

Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, and their two sons, Parth and Jay. His sudden death is being mourned widely in Maharashtra and beyond, creating a substantial void in the state’s political leadership at a time of active electoral and administrative engagements.