Ajit Pawar family tree: From Sharad Pawar to Supriya Sule - A look at the 'power' dynasty of India

The Pawar family, a political powerhouse in Maharashtra, faced a seismic shift with the death of Ajit Pawar in a Baramati plane crash on January 28, 2026. A nephew of Sharad Pawar, Ajit’s 2023 rebellion split the NCP, creating two factions. His nephew Yugendra Pawar challenged him in the 2024 elections, symbolizing generational and ideological rifts. The family’s future now hangs in balance.

Sharad Pawar, born 1940, is the founder of the NCP and a four-time CM of Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar, his nephew, was once his political heir. Supriya Sule, his daughter, leads NCP (SP). Rohit Pawar, his grandnephew, and Yugendra Pawar, son of Ajit’s brother, are third-gen leaders. His influence shaped a dynasty now divided by loyalty and ambition.

Ajit Pawar, 66, was Sharad Pawar’s nephew and former Deputy CM. First elected in 1991, he held key portfolios. In 2023, he split the NCP, joining the BJP-led Mahayuti. His sons, Parth and Jay, are emerging leaders. His nephew, Yugendra, challenged him politically. Ajit died in a Baramati plane crash on January 28, 2026.

Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar, is an MP from Baramati and Lok Sabha leader of NCP (SP). Educated in the US, she entered politics in 2009. A vocal critic of Ajit Pawar’s 2023 split, she represents the anti-BJP faction. She is cousin to Ajit’s sons and aunt to Yugendra Pawar, her uncle’s grandnephew.

Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar, is a Rajya Sabha MP and chairperson of Baramati Textile Company. She is sister-in-law to Shrinivas Pawar and mother of Parth and Jay. Her political rise in 2024 strengthened Ajit’s faction. She is also related to Yugendra, son of her brother-in-law.

Rohit Pawar, 37, is Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew (son of his brother Appasaheb) and cousin of Ajit Pawar. An MLA since 2019, he leads NCP (SP) youth wing. He is also cousin to Yugendra Pawar. A Harvard-educated entrepreneur, he balances tech and grassroots politics.

Parth Pawar, 38, son of Ajit and Sunetra, contested the 2019 Maval Lok Sabha seat but lost. He remains active in party affairs. Jay Pawar, younger son, is involved in business and youth outreach. With Ajit’s death, both are expected to step into leadership roles, though internal succession and BJP alliance dynamics will shape their political future.

Yugendra Pawar, 32, is son of Shrinivas Pawar, younger brother of Ajit Pawar, making him Ajit’s nephew and Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew. He contested against Ajit from Baramati in 2024. A Harvard graduate, he is MD of Sharayu Infra and aligned with Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule.

On July 2, 2023, Ajit Pawar split the NCP, joining the BJP-led Mahayuti. His nephew Yugendra, daughter Supriya, and grandnephew Rohit stayed loyal to Sharad Pawar. The Election Commission later recognized Ajit’s faction as the official NCP, deepening the rift between uncle and nephew.