Parth Pawar

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Potential political heir; has maintained low profile since 2019 electoral defeat

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister six times over three decades, died on January 28, 2026, at age 66, when his chartered Learjet crashed at Baramati Airport. His wife Sunetra was sworn in as his successor on January 31.

Updated May 23