Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash; Political Future Uncertain

• Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on Wednesday morning, shocking the state.
• Known as a 'lucky leader,' Pawar held the record for serving as Deputy CM six times, the longest in Maharashtra's history.
• Born on July 22, 1959, he was the nephew of Sharad Pawar but built his career through his own political acumen.
• Pawar began his journey in local cooperative bodies and represented Baramati, later leading an NCP faction and allying with the ruling coalition.
• He held key ministries like Finance and Water Resources, significantly impacting Maharashtra's development, though he never became Chief Minister.

Why It Matters: The sudden death of Ajit Pawar, a dominant figure in Maharashtra politics, leaves a void and uncertain future.