New Delhi, Jan 28: Ajit Anantrao Pawar, one of Maharashtra’s longest-serving politicians, has died at the age of 66. Born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara, Ahmednagar district, Pawar is regarded as one of Maharashtra’s most influential political figures.


A member of the powerful Pawar family, he is the nephew of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar.


Raised in a family deeply connected to public life, Ajit Pawar entered politics early, beginning his career in local governance before rising through the ranks of the NCP. He was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly multiple times and held key portfolios, including Finance, Water Resources, and Power.


Pawar entered public service through the cooperative sector, winning a seat on the board of a local sugar factory in 1982. He later served as chairman of the Pune District Central Cooperative Bank for 16 years.


His formal entry into electoral politics came in 1991, when he was elected from the Baramati constituency. He went on to win successive elections and became a six-term MLA from Baramati.


Pawar was often credited with transforming Baramati into a model constituency through investments in irrigation, education and infrastructure.


Also read: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies In Plane Crash In Baramati


Pawar played a pivotal role in shaping Maharashtra’s economic and industrial policies. His tenure as Deputy Chief Minister saw him spearheading infrastructure projects, agricultural reforms, and initiatives aimed at boosting investment in the state.


Despite controversies and political turbulence, Ajit Pawar remained a central figure in Maharashtra’s coalition politics, often seen as a strategist and negotiator. His influence extended beyond Baramati, his political stronghold, to the broader state machinery.