Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and a prominent leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), continues to be a pivotal figure in Indian politics as of September 5, 2025. Known for his strategic acumen and controversial decisions, Pawar has been at the heart of Maharashtra’s political developments, from leading the NCP’s electoral triumphs to addressing contentious issues like the Ladki Bahin scheme and communal harmony. His recent actions, including his reaffirmation of secularism, budget presentations, and ongoing tensions with uncle Sharad Pawar, have kept him in the spotlight. This article delves into the latest news surrounding Ajit Pawar, exploring his political maneuvers, policy initiatives, controversies, and the future of the NCP, supported by recent web reports and social media sentiment. A detailed table summarizes key updates for clarity.
Political Developments and Electoral Success
Ajit Pawar’s political trajectory in 2025 has been marked by his role as Deputy Chief Minister under Devendra Fadnavis in the Mahayuti government, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Pawar’s NCP faction. Sworn in on December 5, 2024, for his sixth term as Deputy CM, Pawar has solidified his position as a key ally, outmaneuvering Shinde in the post-election power dynamics. The NCP’s performance in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections was a highlight, securing 41 out of 55 contested seats, a 75% strike rate that outperformed Shinde’s Sena (69%) and bolstered Pawar’s influence within Mahayuti. His faction’s victory in Baramati, a Pawar family stronghold, further cemented his dominance over Sharad Pawar’s NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), which won only 10 seats.
Recent reports indicate Pawar’s strategic engagement with allies and rivals. On June 1, 2025, he dismissed speculation about a meeting between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Fadnavis, emphasizing the normalcy of such interactions in Maharashtra politics. This followed the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT)’s defeat in the BEST Employees’ Credit Society elections, showcasing Pawar’s focus on maintaining coalition stability. His leadership was also evident in the defection of seven NCP MLAs in Nagaland to the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on June 1, 2025, a move Pawar attributed to dissatisfaction with their work progress, further consolidating NDPP’s majority.
Policy Initiatives and Budget Announcements
As Maharashtra’s Finance Minister, Ajit Pawar presented the 2025-26 state budget on March 10, 2025, introducing significant fiscal measures. A notable proposal was a 6% tax on electric vehicles priced above ₹30 lakh and a 1% hike in motor vehicle tax on CNG and LPG vehicles, expected to generate ₹180 crore and ₹150 crore, respectively. These moves aim to boost state revenue amid a luxury market slowdown. Pawar also announced plans for seven international-standard business centers in Mumbai to elevate the city’s economy from $140 billion to $1.5 trillion by 2047, aligning with long-term growth goals.
Pawar’s commitment to social welfare was evident in his defense of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, a scheme providing ₹1,500 monthly to economically disadvantaged women. On June 2, 2025, he admitted to implementation flaws, noting that ineligible beneficiaries, including some income taxpayers, had received funds. He urged voluntary withdrawal by ineligible recipients and assured continued support for eligible women, countering opposition criticism of deliberate negligence to influence voters. On July 26, 2025, he announced strict action against men fraudulently benefiting from the scheme, reinforcing its integrity.
Controversies and Public Statements
Pawar’s tenure in 2025 has not been without controversy. His remarks on communal harmony and cow vigilantism sparked debates. On March 22, 2025, he warned against intimidating the Muslim community or creating communal discord, emphasizing strict action to maintain social harmony. His comments on cow vigilantes, however, drew ire from BJP workers, with MLA Mahesh Landge stating on September 4, 2025, that they hurt sentiments. Pawar’s faction issued a circular ensuring protection for traders legally transporting animals, addressing community demands to curb illegal vigilantism.
Another controversy arose over the mandatory inclusion of Hindi as a third language in Marathi and English-medium schools, announced on April 18, 2025. Pawar defended the policy, arguing that Marathi remains the priority but Hindi’s widespread use justifies its inclusion. Critics, as reported by Business Standard, accused him of stirring unnecessary disputes, with Pawar retorting that opponents lacked substantive issues. His handling of a viral video involving Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, allegedly playing rummy during a legislative session, also drew attention. On July 16, 2025, Pawar promised an investigation, summoning Kokate to clarify, showcasing his commitment to transparency.
Pawar’s stance on freedom of speech was highlighted in a row over comedian Kunal Kamra’s remarks about Eknath Shinde. On May 6, 2025, he criticized vandalism in response to Kamra’s comments, urging responsible expression and warning against misuse of free speech. This balanced approach underscores his efforts to maintain coalition unity amid public scrutiny.
Tensions with Sharad Pawar and NCP Dynamics
The ongoing rift between Ajit Pawar and his uncle, Sharad Pawar, remains a focal point. The NCP split in 2023, when Ajit joined the Mahayuti government, continues to shape Maharashtra politics. On January 2, 2025, Ajit’s mother, Ashatai Pawar, publicly prayed for a family reunion during a visit to Pandharpur’s Vitthal-Rukmini temple, fueling speculation. Ajit’s unscheduled visit to Sharad’s Delhi residence on December 12, 2024, to wish him on his birthday further intensified rumors, with NCP leader Praful Patel expressing hope for reconciliation, stating, “Sharad Pawar is like God to us.”
However, Supriya Sule, Sharad’s daughter, dismissed merger talks on June 5, 2025, affirming NCP (SP)’s commitment to the INDIA alliance. Ajit’s faction, meanwhile, seeks Sharad’s endorsement of his leadership, with the situation described as “uncertain” by The Economic Times. A notable incident on January 24, 2025, at a sugar institute meeting in Pune saw Ajit rearrange his nameplate to avoid sitting next to Sharad, highlighting their strained relationship. Despite this, both appeared together on April 22, 2025, to discuss AI in agriculture, indicating professional collaboration amid personal tensions.
Community Engagement and Protests
Pawar’s public engagements have been marred by protests. On January 20, 2025, during the inauguration of an NCP district office in Jalna, Maratha Mahasangh activists waved black flags, demanding justice for a murdered sarpanch in Beed and a Dalit man’s death in custody in Parbhani. Pawar, as Beed’s guardian minister, assured inquiries into both cases, emphasizing accountability. His reaffirmation of the NCP’s commitment to secularism and social harmony during the event was widely covered, with The Hindu noting his pledge to prevent religious hatred.
On April 24, 2025, Pawar announced funding for Sangli district’s stalled development projects, addressing local concerns. He also promised to open a memorial for poet B.C. Mardhekar, appealing to cultural sentiments. These initiatives reflect his focus on grassroots governance, though protests underscore ongoing challenges in addressing community grievances.
Future Prospects and Political Strategy
Looking ahead, Pawar’s focus is on strengthening the NCP’s position in upcoming local body elections, as urged during his Jalna speech. His faction’s success in the Malegaon cooperative sugar mill election on June 25, 2025, against Sharad’s faction and the Tavare family, reinforces his regional influence in Baramati. However, allegations of irregularities during his tenure as Agriculture Minister, raised by activist Anjali Damania on June 3, 2025, and the Economic Offences Wing’s ongoing probe, pose risks to his reputation.
Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some praising Pawar’s “smart play” in aligning with Fadnavis, while others criticize his past controversies, including a 2012 irrigation scam allegation of ₹70,000 crore, which remains unproven. His commitment to secularism and clean politics, as stated on January 20, 2025, aims to counter such criticisms and position the NCP as a progressive force.
Table: Key Updates on Ajit Pawar in 2025
Date | Event/Update | Source |
|---|---|---|
January 2, 2025 | Ashatai Pawar prays for Ajit-Sharad reunion; Praful Patel supports reconciliation | India Today |
January 20, 2025 | Pawar reaffirms NCP’s secularism at Jalna office inauguration; faces protests | The Hindu |
March 10, 2025 | Presents 2025-26 budget with EV tax and Mumbai economic growth plans | Business Standard |
April 18, 2025 | Defends Hindi as mandatory third language in schools, sparks debate | Business Standard |
June 2, 2025 | Admits flaws in Ladki Bahin scheme, urges ineligible beneficiaries to withdraw | The Economic Times |
June 25, 2025 | NCP faction wins Malegaon sugar mill election in Baramati | News18 |
July 16, 2025 | Promises probe into Manikrao Kokate’s rummy video controversy | AajTak |
September 4, 2025 | Remarks on cow vigilantism draw BJP criticism; issues protective circular | Indian Express |
Conclusion
Ajit Pawar’s influence in Maharashtra politics remains formidable in 2025, driven by his electoral successes, policy initiatives, and strategic alliances within Mahayuti. Despite controversies, from the Ladki Bahin scheme to communal harmony remarks, his focus on governance and secularism underscores his ambition to lead the NCP into the future. The ongoing rift with Sharad Pawar adds complexity, with reconciliation rumors yet to materialize. As Pawar navigates these challenges, his role in shaping Maharashtra’s political and economic landscape will continue to draw attention, making him a central figure to watch in 2025.
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