The by-election to the Baramati seat in Maharashtra has intensified political activity in the state following the death of senior leader Ajit Pawar. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sunetra Pawar has been fielded as the candidate from the seat.
The by-election was necessitated after the demise of Ajit Pawar. Until recently, it was being anticipated that Sunetra Pawar would be elected unopposed, as no major political party had announced a candidate to contest against her. However, ahead of the last date for filing nominations, the Congress announced Akash More as its candidate, altering the electoral situation.
According to sources, on Wednesday, April 8, Sunetra Pawar held a discussion with Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal. During the interaction, she requested that Congress candidate Akash More withdraw his nomination to facilitate her unopposed election. Leaders of the NCP and its ally Mahayuti have also appealed to the Congress to allow the election to be conducted without contest.
Voting for the by-election is scheduled for April 23, while the last date for withdrawal of nominations is April 9. Political activity and strategic engagements have intensified ahead of the deadline. Akash More’s candidature has introduced a contest in the constituency, setting up a direct challenge to Sunetra Pawar.
Separately, Sunetra Pawar met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to discuss campaign strategy and preparations for the by-election. According to sources, Fadnavis assured her of support.
The Baramati by-election is considered significant in Maharashtra’s political landscape. The constituency has traditionally been a bhold of the NCP. The entry of a Congress candidate has introduced a competitive element to the election. If the Congress withdraws its nomination, Sunetra Pawar may be elected unopposed. If the contest continues, campaign developments and voter response will determine the outcome.
