Mumbai: The death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Ajit Pawar in a plane crash has not only shocked the state but also opened a period of deep political uncertainty. Beyond the immediate tragedy, Pawar’s absence creates a leadership vacuum within his faction of the NCP and raises critical questions about the future alignment of Maharashtra politics.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the chartered aircraft flying from Mumbai to Baramati crash-landed around 8:45 am, killing all five people on board, including the crew. Pawar was travelling to Baramati for a public rally linked to the Zilla Parishad elections, underlining how abruptly political momentum has been halted.
A Central Pillar Removed from Maharashtra Politics
Ajit Pawar was not merely a deputy chief minister; he was one of the most influential power brokers in the state. Having served as Deputy CM six times under governments led by leaders across party lines — Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde — Pawar had a rare ability to navigate shifting alliances while retaining administrative relevance.
His political strength rested on three pillars: control over the cooperative sector, deep influence in western Maharashtra, and a reputation as a decisive administrator. With his sudden death, all three pillars face disruption.
Leadership Question Within the Ajit Pawar Faction
The most immediate challenge before the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar is leadership succession. Unlike traditional party structures, this faction was heavily personality-driven, with Pawar acting as the sole unifying force. Without him, senior leaders will now be forced to decide whether the group can survive independently.
Political observers believe veteran leader Praful Patel could emerge as a temporary stabilising figure, given his national experience and organisational reach. However, whether he can command the same loyalty among MLAs and party workers remains an open question.
Merger with Sharad Pawar Camp: From Possibility to Pressure
Ajit Pawar’s demise also reshapes the long-running split within the NCP. Until now, a merger between the Ajit Pawar faction and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP remained politically optional. In the new scenario, reunification may become less a matter of strategy and more a necessity for survival.
Sharad Pawar continues to enjoy moral authority and organisational depth, while Ajit Pawar’s faction had numerical strength and executive power. With one side weakened, the logic of consolidation strengthens — though negotiations, leadership hierarchy, and ideological positioning will pose serious challenges.
Impact on the Ruling Alliance
Within the ruling coalition, Ajit Pawar played a crucial balancing role. His absence could alter equations inside the government, affecting seat-sharing strategies, cabinet stability, and future electoral planning. Baramati, his political fortress, will now become a symbolic and strategic battleground.
A Personal and Political Void
Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar and sons Jay and Parth Pawar. While Parth Pawar has previously tested electoral waters, it remains uncertain whether the family will seek an immediate political role or allow senior leaders to chart the party’s future.
