Ajit Pawar’s unfulfilled CM dream: Rise, power, turning points over 4 decades in Maharashtra politics

Ajit Pawar was one of those rare leaders who commanded both deep respect and a hint of fear among the people. Adoration did not come easily or automatically, but once earned, he secured a lasting place in public esteem. His career was not without controversy, yet he possessed the political acumen to navigate challenges and consistently reclaim his position at the table, regardless of electoral highs or lows.Born in 1959 into the politically influential Pawar family, Ajit grew up under the shadow of his uncle, Maratha stalwart Sharad Pawar, who was already a mass leader when Ajit was learning the intricacies of power. Despite holding the deputy CM’s post six times and controlling important departments, Ajit Pawar never fully crossed the final threshold, and the CM’s chair remained his unfulfilled dream.July 22, 1959 / Ajit Pawar born in Deolali Pravara, Ahmednagar districtEducation / Primary education in Baramati, then Vinchem school Girgaon, Mumbai. Failed in Std X in one subject and went back to Baramati for schooling. Shahu College, Kolhapur, completed SYBCom, quit in last yearMarriage & children/ Dec 30, 1985 to Sunetra. Two sonsRecords/ Election margin:UNFORCED ERRORS“If there is no water in the dam, how can we release it? Should we urinate into it? If there is no water to drink, even urination is not possible”— During 2013 drought protestsDevelopment funds would be cut off if you do not vote for NCP— To villagers, during 2024 poll campaign2025 call recordIn row | Accused of threatening woman IPS officer over sand mining. Denies interferenceRISE, POWER AND TURNING POINTSPolitical Timeline1978–80/ Enters public life through student & youth politics1982/ Elected to local cooperative society board1991/ Enters Lok Sabha1991/ Resigns to allow uncle Sharad to return to Parliament; shifts focus to state politics1991/ Wins Baramati assembly seat; remains brazen for subsequent eight terms. Becomes chairman of Pune District Cooperative Bank. Becomes cabinet minister1995/ Strengthens grip on western Maharashtra, controlling cooperative networks1999/ Founding member of NCP. Becomes irrigation minister. Portfolios added in subsequent years2009/ Pune’s district guardian minister2009/ First term as deputy chief minister2010–2014/ Holds finance and planning portfoliosSept 2021/ Resigns from all portfolios amid irrigation scam allegations; reinstated weeks later2013/ Sparks outrage over “pee in the dam” remark during drought protests; apologisesNov 2019/ Joins BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis in a surprise alliance; sworn in as Dy CM in a govt that collapses within 80 hoursDec 2019/ Returns as Dy CM under MVA2019–2022/ Finance ministerDec 2022/ Leader of oppositionJuly 2023/ Leads a vertical split in NCP; joins BJP–Shiv Sena in govt2023/ Sworn in again as Dy CM; finance and energy portfoliosNov 2024/ Leads NCP to victory in 4 seats in assembly polls2025/ Asserts commitment to Phule–Ambedkar ideology despite sharing power with BJPNov 2025/ Faces renewed scrutiny over alleged Pune land deal involving son; denies involvement