Ajit Pawar: The Untamed Power of Maharashtra Politics

DIPAK KURMI

Ajit Anantrao Pawar, widely known as Ajit Dada, was a force of nature in Maharashtra politics, a leader whose temperament and ambition left an indelible mark on the state’s political landscape. Born into the influential Pawar family, Ajit was gifted with power and opportunity from a young age. The sudden loss of his father further propelled him into a world where privilege and expectation were constants. As the nephew of Sharad Pawar, a political titan, and the darling of the family, Ajit grew up pampered and protected, yet constantly on the verge of losing his temper. Unlike his uncle, whose patience and long-term strategy became his hallmark, Ajit Dada’s defining characteristic was his impatience and impulsive energy, which often translated into bold, controversial, and unforgettable actions.

Ajit’s early entry into politics set the stage for a career marked by rapid ascension and audacious gambles. Dropping out of college, he quickly gravitated toward public life, becoming a board member of a local sugar mill in his early twenties. By 1991, he was elected as a Member of Parliament from the Pawar stronghold of Baramati, marking his formal entry into Maharashtra’s political arena. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi and Sharad Pawar’s subsequent position in the Union cabinet offered Ajit a unique opportunity to focus entirely on state politics. Vacating his Lok Sabha seat for his uncle, he turned his attention to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, winning a ministerial position in Sudhakarrao Naik’s cabinet in his first term. It was during this period that he earned the moniker “Dada,” a recognition of his growing authority and assertive persona within the state.

Ajit Pawar’s political life was defined by a combination of opportunism and strategic acumen. In 1993, amid the communal riots and Mumbai bomb blasts, Sharad Pawar returned to Maharashtra to assume the Chief Ministership. Ajit’s ministerial status remained intact, cementing his reputation as a leader whose influence transcended immediate circumstances. The formation of the Nationalist Congress Party in 1999, after Sharad Pawar left Congress, presented Ajit with further avenues to expand his political footprint. Despite his uncle’s exit from Congress, Ajit secured a place in Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh’s ministry, showcasing his ability to navigate complex political landscapes and maintain relevance regardless of shifting alliances.

The 2004 Maharashtra Assembly elections represented a pivotal moment in Ajit Pawar’s career. The Congress-NCP coalition defeated the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance, with the NCP emerging as the largest party in the state. This was the moment Ajit had long awaited—a possible pathway to the Chief Ministership. However, in an unexpected turn, Sharad Pawar ceded the top post to the Congress, favoring a broader distribution of ministerial portfolios for his allies and introducing his daughter, Supriya Sule, into active politics. For Ajit, the denial of the Chief Minister’s post was both a personal and political disappointment, fueling a sense of betrayal that would color his approach to power in the years to come. Unlike his uncle, who mastered the art of strategic patience, Ajit was forthright in expressing his discontent, often publicly displaying his frustration, a trait that both alienated and defined him.

Ajit Dada’s temperament was as infamous as his political skill. He was impulsive, fiery, and often unafraid to speak his mind, even in situations where diplomacy would have been prudent. One incident that exemplifies his bluntness occurred when a delegation from a drought-affected region approached him with complaints about dry dams. When they rejected the government’s explanations, Ajit snapped and retorted with a now-legendary line, shocking both the delegation and the media. Such moments, though controversial, underscored the essence of Ajit Pawar: a leader who operated on instinct, unafraid of confrontation, and unwilling to cede authority or compromise on what he saw as justice or efficiency.

Ajit Pawar’s political career was also defined by his remarkable survival instincts and adaptability. He served as Deputy Chief Minister under an extraordinary array of leaders, from Prithviraj Chavan of the Congress, under whom he faced allegations in the cooperative bank scam, to Uddhav Thackeray of the undivided Shiv Sena, Eknath Shinde of the post-split Shiv Sena, and Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP. Each of these tenures required nuanced calculation, loyalty tempered by self-interest, and a capacity to navigate volatile alliances. His willingness to align with the ruling establishment of the day, often under high-stakes circumstances, reflected a relentless drive to retain influence and relevance in Maharashtra’s political theatre.

Perhaps the most audacious chapter of Ajit Pawar’s career was his 2019 early morning swearing-in as Deputy Chief Minister under Devendra Fadnavis, an attempt that sought to exploit fractures within the Shiv Sena. Though initially thwarted by Sharad Pawar’s strategic intervention, Ajit soon capitalized on the opportunity to consolidate his power within the NCP. With the tacit support of the BJP and the acquiescence of a judiciary hesitant to intervene, he eventually secured the party symbol and effectively became the new leader of the NCP. This episode demonstrated not only his strategic daring but also his ability to reshape legacy politics in Maharashtra, positioning himself as the true heir to Sharad Pawar’s political empire.

Despite his many successes, one ambition remained unfulfilled: the Chief Ministership of Maharashtra. Ajit often spoke of this goal with a mix of optimism and rue, recognizing that his skills, experience, and political capital uniquely positioned him for the role. His administrative abilities were formidable, his grasp over a range of social and political issues was comprehensive, and his ability to connect with constituents was exceptional. He embodied the qualities of a capable, secular, and pragmatic leader who never relied on communal polarization to secure votes. Yet, fate denied him the opportunity to occupy the state’s highest office, and he will be remembered as the able chief minister Maharashtra never had.

Ajit Pawar’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. He combined the traits of an operator, strategist, and firebrand, creating a persona that was both revered and feared. His approach to politics emphasized results and pragmatism over ideology, loyalty over theatrics, and action over rhetoric. The networks he cultivated, the organizational structures he strengthened, and the followers he inspired represent a significant reservoir of political influence, one that will continue to shape Maharashtra’s politics even in his absence.

Ajit Pawar’s life and career reflect the paradoxes of power in Indian politics. Born into privilege, he harnessed opportunity with energy, ambition, and strategic skill, yet his impatience and volatility were both his defining strengths and occasional liabilities. From his early days in Baramati to his rise as the uncontested leader of the NCP, Ajit Pawar transformed Maharashtra politics through a combination of pragmatism, audacity, and sheer determination. While the state mourns the loss of “Dada,” his story remains a testament to the turbulent, competitive, and unforgiving nature of political life, and a reminder of what Maharashtra’s politics might have been had his ambition been fully realized. His journey ends abruptly, but his influence endures, etched into the history of the state he served with relentless energy and a distinctive vision. 

(Email: dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)