What is the story about?
The unexpected death of Ajit Pawar, the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has left the state's political landscape grappling with significant
uncertainty. Pawar tragically died in a plane crash near Baramati on January 28 (Wednesday) while he was en route to Pune to campaign for the upcoming local elections. His uncertain death raises critical questions regarding the future of Maharashtra politics, particularly concerning the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which he led.
How Ajit Pawar Was a Key Player in Maharashtra Politics?
Ajit Pawar played a prominent role in Maharashtra politics, serving multiple terms as deputy chief minister under various administrations, including those led by Prithviraj Chavan, Uddhav Thackeray, Eknath Shinde, and Devendra Fadnavis.
His ability to navigate complex political alliances made him a key figure within the ruling Mahayuti coalition, which comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and his faction of the NCP.
His faction currently holds 41 seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, a significant political weight that will now be tested in the wake of his death. The NCP, which has been divided since Ajit Pawar's split from his uncle Sharad Pawar's faction in 2023, faces the possibility of further fragmentation or a potential merger. With Ajit Pawar’s passing, questions about leadership succession within the party loom large.
How Ajit Pawar's Death Can Image NCP and Maharashtra Politics?
The NCP's future direction is now uncertain after Pawar's demise. Ajit Pawar's political acumen and grassroots connections had positioned him as a formidable leader.
His death could shift the balance of power within the NCP, leaving his cousin Supriya Sule as one of the few prominent figures left to lead the party's strategy moving forward. As the NCP navigates this tumultuous period, the question of whether the two factions will merge is particularly pressing.
Recent signs indicated that Ajit Pawar was working towards reconciliation with his uncle, which could have strengthened the party's unity.
Additionally, Ajit Pawar's death raises questions about the appointment of a new deputy chief minister from the NCP. The ruling coalition's stability may be tested as the party grapples with its internal dynamics and the need for a strong leader during this critical juncture.
Pawar's Family Dynamics
Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife, Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha MP, and their two sons, Parth and Jay Pawar. While Parth has attempted to establish a political career, Jay has remained distanced from the political arena.
The Pawar family legacy now faces the challenge of maintaining its influence in Maharashtra politics without Ajit Pawar's leadership.
Also Read: Ajit Pawar Net Worth: How Maharashtra’s Late Deputy CM Built A Rs 124 Crore Portfolio
What Happened on Wednesday? The Plane Crash Explained
A chartered aircraft crashed near the Baramati airport, on which Ajit Pawar and four other persons were on board. All people on board were killed after the plane crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of a tabletop runway at Baramati airport in Pune district.
Ajit Pawar had taken off from Mumbai in the morning to address four rallies in the day in Pune district for the February 5 zilla parishad elections.
Moreover, those killed in the crash included the pilot, Captain Sumit Kapoor, who had logged about 15,000 flying hours; co-pilot Captain Shambhavi Pathak, with about 1,500 hours of experience; Pawar’s personal security officer Vidip Jadhav; and flight attendant Pinky Mali.
According to a government statement, the Learjet had been cleared for landing after a go-around due to poor visibility. After receiving final clearance, the aircraft failed to provide a read-back to air traffic control and burst into flames moments later near the runway.
The "black box" (comprising the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder) from the aircraft will be analysed after recovery to determine the cause of the accident, an official said.
PM Modi Pays Tribute to Ajit Pawar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Ajit Pawar, recognising his contributions to Maharashtra, particularly in rural development. Modi stated, "Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and downtrodden were also noteworthy."
Ajit Pawar’s Last Rites to Be Held Today
The funeralof Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister A
jit Pawar will be held at 11 AM on Thursday (January 29) at an educational institute in Baramati, where his mortal remains were brought on Wednesday evening as thousands of supporters gathered to pay their last respects.
Many supporters were seen in tears as the flower-decked vehicle carrying Pawar’s mortal remains arrived at the venue.
