India, Jan. 30 -- The stalwart of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, is no more. His life came to an abrupt end when his private plane crashed near Baramati airport, the city which had elected him eight times to the Assembly, and where he was a local hero for the people. His death comes at a time when rumours were rife that he would reunite with the other faction of the NCP led by Sharad Pawar, which he broke with in 2023.

Ajit Pawar's death alters Maharashtra's power equation. After the 2023 split in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Pawar had emerged as its most powerful leader, second only to Sharad Pawar. He took the bulk of legislators and redefined state politics by siding with the BJP and settling as Deputy Chief Minister. However, afte...