Ajit Pawar was the longest-serving Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, holding the post six times under different governments. He served under chief ministers including Prithviraj Chavan, Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, and Eknath Shinde.
He began his political career in 1982 and went on to become a key leader from Baramati, winning seven Assembly elections. In 2019, he split the NCP and later, in February 2024, the Election Commission awarded the party name and symbol to his faction.
He is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar and sons Jay and Parth Pawar.