Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar tragically passed away in a plane crash on Wednesday morning in Pune district. The Learjet 45 aircraft, carrying Pawar and four others, crashed while attempting to land in the Baramati area, sending shockwaves across the state.
A Six-Time Deputy CM’s Unfulfilled Ambition
Ajit Pawar, who served six terms as Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister since 2010, harbored a long-cherished dream that remained unfulfilled—becoming the Chief Minister of Maharashtra. During assembly elections and party campaigns, many NCP leaders and workers openly supported his bid for the top post, putting up banners and posters in his favor.
Last year, during Maharashtra Day celebrations, Pawar reiterated his ambition. While addressing the ‘Gauravshali Maharashtra’ program organized by the NCP, he reflected on his aspiration to become Chief Minister. When a journalist suggested that Maharashtra should have a woman CM, Pawar responded candidly, saying that he had often felt he should have become Chief Minister, but the opportunity had not yet arisen. His candid comment drew smiles and laughter from those present.
He had also previously spoken about the Chief Minister’s post following the political upheaval in Shiv Sena and the unexpected appointment of Eknath Shinde as CM. Pawar remarked that had he known he could have assumed the post, he might have taken all NCP legislators with him to ally with the BJP at that moment.
The Plane Crash and Its Political Impact
Ajit Pawar’s sudden death in the Baramati plane crash, along with four others, has delivered a profound blow to Maharashtra’s political landscape, particularly during the ongoing Zilla Parishad election campaigns. As a key political figure and Deputy CM, his demise has deeply affected both the government and his party. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred while the aircraft attempted to land at Baramati Airport.
Ajit Pawar’s sudden passing not only leaves a political void but also closes the chapter on a lifelong ambition, reminding Maharashtra of the dreams and aspirations that remain unfulfilled.