Who Was Ajit Pawar? The "Dada" of Maharashtra Politics
- Knewspaper
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you follow news about Maharashtra, you have likely heard the name Ajit Pawar. Often called "Ajit Dada" (meaning elder brother) by his followers, he was one of the most hardworking and powerful leaders in the state.
Sadly, the state lost him on January 28, 2026, in a tragic plane accident near his hometown, Baramati. He was 66 years old.
Here is a simple look at his life, his work, and why he was so important to the people of Maharashtra.
Early Life: From a Small Village to Big Politics
Ajit Pawar was born on July 22, 1959, in a village called Deolali Pravara. When he was only 18, his father passed away. This was a very difficult time for him. He had to stop his college studies to take care of his family and their farm.
Even though he didn't finish college, he learned everything by doing "real work" on the ground. He started by helping local farmers and working with cooperative banks (banks run by people for their own benefit). This helped him understand the problems of regular people very well.
His Connection to the "Pawar Family"
Ajit was the nephew of the famous leader Sharad Pawar. For many years, he worked closely with his uncle. Eventually, he became a leader in his own right, representing the people of Baramati in the state assembly for over 30 years. He won nine elections in a row from Baramati—he never lost once!
Why Was He Called the "6 AM Administrator"?
Ajit Dada was famous for his strict routine. While most people were still sleeping, he would start his work at 6:00 AM.
Punctuality: If a meeting was at 10:00 AM, he would be there at 9:59 AM.
Site Visits: He often visited bridge or road construction sites early in the morning to make sure the work was being done correctly.
Direct Style: He was a "no-nonsense" leader. If a job could be done, he would say "Yes." If it couldn't be done, he would say "No" immediately, rather than making false promises.
Important Roles He Played
Ajit Pawar held many important jobs in the government, but he is most remembered for two things:
Deputy Chief Minister: He held this position a record-breaking six times under different Chief Ministers.
Finance Minister: He was the man in charge of the state's money. He presented the state budget 11 times, focusing on building roads, dams, and helping women through schemes like "Ladki Bahin."
His Legacy: The "Baramati Model"
If you visit Baramati today, you will see wide roads, big schools, and thriving industries. Ajit Pawar worked hard to turn his home area into a model for the rest of India. He showed that if a leader focuses on "development first," a small town can become as modern as a big city.
A Quick Look at Ajit Pawar's Life
Fact | Detail |
Full Name | Ajit Anantrao Pawar |
Nickname | Ajit Dada |
Born | July 22, 1959 |
Died | January 28, 2026 (Age 66) |
Hometown | Baramati, Pune |
Main Jobs | Deputy Chief Minister, Finance Minister |
Famous For | Punctuality, hard work, and developing Baramati |
Conclusion
Ajit Pawar was a leader who believed in action over words. Whether people agreed with his politics or not, everyone respected his dedication to Maharashtra. He spent 16 to 17 hours a day working for the public. Today, he is remembered as a man who helped build a "New Maharashtra."
