Ajit Pawar, a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, has been a key player in the state's political landscape for over four decades. From his roots in Baramati to his repeated stints as Deputy Chief Minister, his career has been marked by ambition, strategic moves, and significant controversies. This article delves into his remarkable political journey, his persistent pursuit of the Chief Minister's chair, and the complex legacy he continues to build.
Early Life and Rise in Maharashtra Politics
Born in 1959 into the influential Pawar family, Ajit Pawar's early life was deeply shaped by his uncle, Sharad Pawar, a veteran Maratha leader. While Sharad Pawar was known for his charisma and ability to connect with large crowds, Ajit developed a mastery of political organization and governance mechanics. He excelled at understanding numbers, building networks, and managing the intricate details of administration. This ground-level networking, particularly in the family's stronghold of Baramati, earned him an unparalleled record of electoral victories, remaining undefeated in every election he contested.
Ajit Pawar's formal education concluded before he completed his commerce degree, a fact he openly acknowledged. However, he truly mastered the nuances of Maharashtra politics. His initial political training came through the cooperative movement, which forms the backbone of western Maharashtra's political structure. Institutions like sugar factories, district banks, and irrigation bodies were not just economic entities but powerful centers of influence. Before securing major ministerial roles, he built a strong base among farmers, cooperative leaders, and local strongmen, turning Baramati into a formidable political fortress.
Electoral Dominance and Strategic Moves
- 1991 Lok Sabha Debut: Ajit Pawar first entered electoral politics by winning the Baramati Lok Sabha seat with a record margin of over 3.36 lakh votes, one of India's largest at the time.
- Sacrifice for Uncle: In a move that showcased both loyalty and strategic thinking, he resigned from Parliament to enable Sharad Pawar's return to the Lok Sabha.
- Assembly Stronghold: The same year, he won the Baramati assembly seat, a constituency he successfully held for eight consecutive terms until 2024, often securing victories with margins exceeding 1 lakh votes.
The Elusive Chief Minister's Chair
Despite his significant influence and holding the Deputy Chief Minister's post six times, the top political office in the state remained Ajit Pawar's ultimate, unfulfilled aspiration. A notable moment came during the 2004 assembly elections, where the NCP emerged as the single largest party with 71 seats, surpassing its ally Congress (69 seats). However, the NCP conceded its claim to the CM's post, opting for key portfolios instead. Ajit Pawar viewed this as a "missed chance" for the Chief Minister's seat.
He often expressed his ambition, stating, "I harboured the ambition of becoming the CM, but the 'yog' (auspicious moment) has not come yet." Many of his supporters believed he was only recently emerging from his uncle's shadow and was on a clear path towards his goal before recent political shifts. For over a decade, he managed crucial portfolios like irrigation and rural development, vital to the state's agrarian economy, earning a reputation for quickly clearing pending files.
Controversies and Political Resilience
Ajit Pawar's career was frequently interrupted by various allegations and controversies, yet none managed to derail him permanently. He consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate political challenges and reclaim his position.
Key Controversies:
- Irrigation Scam (2012): A report alleged irregularities amounting to nearly Rs 70,000 crore in irrigation projects. Holding the finance and planning portfolios at the time, Ajit Pawar resigned from the cabinet under pressure. He was reinstated weeks later after official explanations and panel findings attributed the lapses mostly to bureaucratic processes.
- "Urinate in Dam" Remark (2013): During a drought protest, Ajit Pawar made an insensitive remark suggesting that urinating into a dam would not fill it. This off-the-cuff comment caused widespread outrage and became a symbol of political insensitivity. He later apologized, calling it his biggest mistake, but the public image damage was lasting.
Strategic Alliances and NCP Split
Ajit Pawar's political journey also saw dramatic shifts in alliances:
- 72-Hour Government (November 2019): In a surprising early morning move, Ajit Pawar allied with the BJP and was sworn in as Deputy CM in Devendra Fadnavis's government. This short-lived alliance collapsed within 80 hours, but it highlighted Pawar's willingness to take significant political risks.
- MVA Government (December 2019): A month later, he returned as Deputy CM and Finance Minister in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.
- NCP Split (July 2023): He led a major split within the NCP, joining the BJP-Shiv Sena government and once again becoming Deputy CM, taking charge of finance and energy portfolios. Despite these shifts, he continued to publicly endorse the Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar ideology.
Beyond Core Politics: Sports and Public Persona
Ajit Pawar's influence extended beyond traditional politics into the realm of sports. As president of the Maharashtra Olympic Association for many terms, a position he recently regained, he acted as a coordinator, uniting state sports federations and promoting structured development. His leadership in the Maharashtra State Kabaddi Association showcased his understanding of rural Maharashtra, where sports and livelihoods often intertwine. He supported professional sports pathways while strengthening grassroots systems, also engaging with kho kho and cycling associations to ensure broader attention to various sports.
Known for his punctuality and expectation of the same from officials, Ajit Pawar also shared a unique rapport with party workers. He remembered names, inquired about families, and spoke with a familiar ease during his visits. His speeches were often spiced with sharp, rustic, and humorous one-liners that captivated crowds and drew laughter.
Ajit Pawar's Enduring Legacy
Ajit Pawar has significantly influenced Maharashtra politics for over four decades, shaping governments, managing budgets, and altering alliances. He has navigated numerous victories, defeats, and controversies throughout his career. His ability to connect with grassroots networks, his administrative efficiency, and his strategic political maneuvers have cemented his place as a formidable force. While the Chief Minister's chair has remained an elusive dream, his impact on the state's political direction and his complicated legacy continue to unfold.
