The politician whose death leaves a vacuum in India's richest state

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete January 28, 2026 at 02:38 PM

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Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra, died in a plane crash along with four others on Wednesday. He was a key figure in India's richest state, known for his pragmatic and shrewd approach to politics. Born in 1959, Pawar entered politics in the 1980s under his uncle Sharad Pawar's mentorship. Despite being seen as his uncle's visible heir, Pawar forged his own path, focusing on regional power and governance. He briefly broke ranks with NCP in 2019 to form a government with the BJP, but this effort collapsed after just days. The sudden death of Ajit Pawar leaves a political vacuum in Maharashtra, which is known for its complex web of alliances and rivalries.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Baramati 40% Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 60% India 70% Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ×275% Maharashtra ×380% Sharad Pawar ×585% Ajit Pawar ×995%

Keywords

ajit pawar 100% political vacuum 90% maharashtra politics 80% sharad pawar 70% indian politics 60% deputy chief minister 60% nationalist congress party 60% political alliances 50% political leadership 40%