Ajit Pawar Biography: Education, Political Career, Age and Electoral Performance

Ajit Pawar was a well-known politician and current Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He was a member of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) with a history of strong leadership in Maharashtra for many years.

He was instrumental in leading the development of agriculture, managing water resources, and establishing coalitions among the different political parties in that State. 

Ajit Pawar died on January 28, 2026, in an aircraft crash in Pune, Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, during a live interaction, has declared a "three-day mourning in the state," in his remembrance and honor. 

Many leaders have paid tribute to the Indian politician Ajit Pawar, including: Prime minister, Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Eknath Shinde and Rahul Gandhi.

Shri Ajit Pawar Ji was a leader of the people, having a strong grassroots level connect. He was widely respected as a hardworking personality at the forefront of serving the people of Maharashtra. His understanding of administrative matters and passion for empowering the poor and… pic.twitter.com/mdgwwGzw4R

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 28, 2026

Read Ajit Pawar’s biography covering his education, political rise, age, and electoral success. Also, learn about his roles as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, family ties, and dominance in Baramati elections for an insightful look at this key Indian politician.

Who was Ajit Pawar?

Ajit Anantrao Pawar was born on 22 July 1959 in Deolali Pravara, Ahmednagar. He was the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra & a powerful NCP leader. Pawar was the nephew of ex-CM of Maharashtra, Sharad Pawar.

From cooperative boards to the state cabinet, his journey shows resilience amid controversies like the 2019 partition and irrigation scam. 

He served as the 8th Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra alongside Eknath Shinde under Devendra Fadnavis from December 2024 until his death in January 2026.

He balanced the family legacy with bold steps like staking the NCP name in 2024 through an Election Commission decision. This establishes him as an important figure in political power plays of Maharashtra.

What is Ajit Pawar's Educational Background?

Ajit Pawar completed schooling in Deolali Pravara but dropped out of college after his father Anantrao Pawar's death to support the family.

He attended local schools in the Baramati area, gaining practical skills over formal degrees, which fueled his early entry into cooperatives. 

• His self-taught admin knowledge shone in roles like Pune District Cooperative Bank chairman for 16 years.

• Education gaps never hindered; real-world experience built his policy expertise in water and rural development.

Read about the River Is Called the Lifeline of Maharashtra.

When did Ajit Pawar's Political Career Start?

Ajit Pawar's political career started in 1982 with election to a cooperative sugar factory board, followed by Pune District Cooperative Bank chairmanship in 1991.

He entered electoral politics winning Baramati Lok Sabha in 1991 as INC MP, vacating his uncle Sharad Pawar. 

According to the Election Commission of India, he has served the State of Maharashtra (Baramati constituency) by winning the assembly election nine times since 1991, which demonstrates an exceptional level of loyalty from his constituent voters.

Shifting to assembly, he won Baramati bypolls the same year, holding it since. Key milestones include:

• Minister of State for Agriculture, Power (1991-1992); Water Resources later.

• Deputy CM multiple times: under Prithviraj Chavan, Fadnavis, Thackeray, Shinde.

• 2019 rebellion: Short-lived BJP tie-up; 2023 split claiming NCP name.

What is Ajit Pawar's Age?

Ajit Pawar was born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra. He was 66 years old when he died in a plane crash in Baramati town on January 28, 2026. 

Until now, he was serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and was a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

Electoral Performance of Ajit Pawar

Ajit Pawar dominates Baramati, winning nine straight terms with growing margins, per Election Commission data.

His record proves Pawar clan's stronghold, even against family like nephew Yugendra in 2024. Both the State of Maharashtra and the NCP will continue to benefit from his knowledge and expertise throughout his political career.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Know about the Richest People in Maharashtra 2025 here. 

Conclusion

Ajit Pawar was serving as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra for many years. He started out in a cooperative movement and became an electoral giant in Baramati. He lost his life in the tragic accident at the age of 66. He was educated by personal experience, political events, and has been elected nine times. Ajit Pawar represented both the legacy and hard work that has made western India an economic power for many decades.