US EditionObituary: Ajit Pawar, the Mercurial Leader Who Stepped Out of His Uncle's Shadow
Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash leaves the Nationalist Congress Party without a clear successor, deepening leadership uncertainty amid Maharashtra's complex political landscape.
- On Wednesday, Ajit Pawar, six-time Maharashtra deputy chief minister, died in a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, creating a massive void for the Nationalist Congress Party and the Pawar family.
- A 35-plus-year career featured the 2012 irrigation scam and a surprise 2019 morning oath, while in recent years Ajit Pawar led the 2023 NCP split recognised by the Election Commission of India in February 2024.
- Known as `Dada` by Maharashtra voters, Ajit Pawar was blunt but accessible and represented Baramati assembly constituency eight times since 1991, taking oath as Deputy CM for a sixth term on December 5, 2024.
- No obvious successor stands ready as neither Supriya Sule nor Rohit Pawar appears prepared, leaving 85-year-old Sharad Pawar with enormous responsibility after planning retirement.
- His absence will be felt acutely in Maharashtra, where the NCP core base and party workers thrived, while the Mahayuti alliance's win of 233 out of 288 Assembly seats raises political questions.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Ajit Pawar's death has created a significant political vacuum in Maharashtra politics. The Pawar family had long held sway in Baramati, and his departure is a significant loss for the family, the party, and Baramati. Many NCP leaders and ministers felt a sense of power associated with him. His absence from the Maharashtra government has led to political confusion.
Who Will Lead the NCP After Ajit Pawar? Succession Battle and the Party’s Uncertain Future
The sudden and tragic passing of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on Wednesday has sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape. As Maharashtra prepares for his final rites in Baramati on January 29, a profound sense of uncertainty has gripped the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
The Siasat Daily
The Hans IndiaNCP's future at stake after Ajit Pawar's death: Political analysts
Mumbai: The tragic and untimely demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on Wednesday, January 28, has not only left a vacuum in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state coalition government but also cast a shadow on the future of the NCP. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is likely to face a leadership crisis following Ajit Pawar’s death, as there is no clear second-in-command, say political observers. As the ‘cloc…
'Scam & a clean chit', a Maha rebellion & a coup—episodes that defined Ajit Pawar's political career
Affectionately called ‘Dada’, the 66-year-old NCP leader was a political heavyweight in Maharashtra where he came close to becoming the king but fell short six times.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
