Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who tragically died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28, 2026, came from one of the most influential political families in the state. A nephew of NCP president Sharad Pawar, Ajit carved his own path in Maharashtra politics, serving as Deputy Chief Minister six times, most recently in 2024 after joining the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government.

Early Life and Family Background

Ajit Pawar’s father, Anantrao Pawar, had connections to the film industry, having worked with the legendary Bollywood director V. Shantaram at Rajkamal Studios. Had he chosen to follow in his father’s footsteps, Ajit could have pursued a career in films, but he opted for politics instead, learning the nuances of governance and strategy under the guidance of his uncle, Sharad Pawar.

Immediate Family

Ajit Pawar was married to Sunetra Pawar, the sister of former Maharashtra minister Padmasingh Bajirao Patil. Together, they had two sons:

• Parth Pawar – The elder son, who entered politics and contested the Lok Sabha elections from Maval, Maharashtra, but was unsuccessful.

• Jai Pawar – The younger son, who has chosen to stay away from politics and has no public political affiliations.

Siblings

Ajit Pawar had two siblings who pursued different paths outside active politics:

• Srinivas Pawar – His elder brother, a well-known businessman with ventures in agriculture, automobiles, and other industries. Srinivas often advised Ajit on important personal and professional decisions.

• Vijaya Patil – His sister, involved in the media sector, maintaining a low-profile public presence.

Relationship with Supriya Sule

Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar’s daughter and an active NCP leader and Member of Parliament, is Ajit Pawar’s cousin. When Ajit left the NCP to join the BJP in 2023, Supriya Sule publicly stated that their familial relationship remained strong, emphasizing that Ajit would always be regarded as her elder brother despite political differences.

Legacy of a Political Family

The Pawar family has long been a cornerstone of Maharashtra’s political and social landscape. While Ajit Pawar became a key political figure, other members of his family pursued careers in business, media, and limited political roles, highlighting a diverse family legacy that combined governance, entrepreneurship, and public service.