Political activity has intensified over the by-election to the Baramati Assembly seat in Maharashtra, with the Indian National Congress announcing its candidate and confirming that the contest will not be uncontested.
The Baramati seat, regarded as a bhold of Ajit Pawar, had earlier been the subject of speculation that the by-election might be held unopposed as a mark of respect. However, the Congress decision to field a candidate has ended these discussions, indicating that a direct electoral contest will take place.
Prior to the announcement, Sunetra Pawar had contacted Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal and requested that the by-election be conducted unopposed. The request had led to discussions within political circles. The Congress decision has now brought clarity, confirming that voting will be held for the seat.
Speculation regarding an uncontested election had emerged following the vacancy caused by Ajit Pawar’s death, after which the by-election was announced. In this context, Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, had appealed to various political parties to support an uncontested election. She had also spoken to Harshvardhan Sapkal over the phone seeking cooperation.
Following the Congress announcement, these possibilities have ended and an electoral contest in Baramati is now confirmed.
The Congress has fielded Akash More as its candidate. He is regarded within the party as a young and active leader. Akash More is the son of former Legislative Council member Vijayrao More and belongs to the Dhangar community, which is considered a significant social group in Maharashtra politics. According to party sources, he is scheduled to file his nomination on Monday, which is also the last date for filing nominations. His candidature indicates that the Congress intends to contest the by-election.
Efforts had also been made to secure support from other political parties for an uncontested election. Sunetra Pawar had sought backing from Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Meanwhile, the Nationalist Congress Party led by Sharad Pawar had already announced that it would not field a candidate in the by-election as a mark of respect for Ajit Pawar.
