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Mumbai: The sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash has thrown the state’s politics into deep grief and uncertainty. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacted emotionally to the tragic incident, saying that he has lost not only a strong political ally but also a generous and trustworthy friend. The relationship between Pawar and Fadnavis was not limited to power only, but was based on mutual understanding and respect despite ideological differences.

Fadnavis-Pawar’s unique political chemistry

Ajit Pawar was a leader who had the ability to work with every faction like Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena and BJP. His relationship with Devendra Fadnavis was a great example of this. Even though there were political upheavals during the 72-hour government in 2019, personal bitterness never came to the fore between the two leaders.

Fadnavis later admitted that the experiment was a political failure, but he had no regrets over that decision. Even after that period, communication and trust continued between Pawar and Fadnavis.

Politics comes together again in 2023

Maharashtra politics took a big turn in 2023, when Ajit Pawar broke away from his uncle Sharad Pawar and split the NCP and became part of the Shinde-Fadnavis government. This step strengthened the Mahayuti alliance. Pawar emerged as a leader in the government who not only had administrative experience but also played an important role in maintaining balance within the alliance.

Election results of 2024 elections

After the 2024 assembly elections, Mahayuti got a clear mandate, but a tussle started over the post of Chief Minister. Government formation was delayed due to hard bargaining by Eknath Shinde. At such a time, Ajit Pawar took control of the situation by announcing unconditional support to the BJP led alliance.

In a high-profile press conference, when Shinde was seen postponing the decision, Pawar clearly said that he would not wait and would take the oath. Ultimately Shinde had to step back and Devendra Fadnavis became the Chief Minister.

Pawar’s important role in the government

In the last one year, Ajit Pawar gave direction to policy decisions in important departments like agriculture, water resources and rural development. His hold in the cooperative politics of Western Maharashtra proved to be a lifeline for the government. He was such a leader who could balance Shinde’s increasing political aggression.

Now a new challenge is facing the Mahayuti

After the death of Ajit Pawar, the biggest shield of the Mahayuti alliance has become weak. Eknath Shinde’s position may become stronger due to the absence of any other leader of his stature in NCP. The uncertainty regarding the post of Mayor in the recent BMC and Municipal Corporation elections is an indication of this.

Political experts believe that now Devendra Fadnavis will have to move forward with a new political balance without Ajit Pawar. This is a new reality in Maharashtra politics, a grand alliance in which Ajit Pawar is not there.