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Fadnavis Calls Congress Chief for Baramati Deal; Pawar Talks to Kharge

In a dramatic political move, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis personally called state Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal to request the withdrawal of their candidate for the Baramati by-election. The goal is to ensure an unopposed victory for Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar of the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). Simultaneously, NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar spoke to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on the same matter, with the Congress high command reportedly considering the proposal positively. The Congress, which initially insisted on contesting, is now expected to make a final announcement after receiving a green signal from its leadership.

Key Points: Baramati Bypoll: Fadnavis, Pawar Seek Congress Withdrawal

  • Fadnavis calls Congress for candidate withdrawal
  • Pawar discusses deal with Kharge
  • Aim is unopposed win for Sunetra Pawar
  • Congress "positively considering" proposal
  • Final decision expected from Congress high command
2 min read

Baramati bypoll: CM Fadnavis makes surprise call to Maha Cong chief; Sharad Pawar speaks to Kharge

CM Fadnavis calls Congress chief, Sharad Pawar speaks to Kharge to negotiate unopposed win for Sunetra Pawar in Baramati bypoll. Details inside.

"If asked, I would advise Congress. It would be appropriate for this election to be held unopposed, but the decision is up to Congress. - Sharad Pawar"

Mumbai/Baramati, April 9 In a dramatic turn of events, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has personally reached out to the opposition to negotiate the Baramati Assembly by-election. Thursday marks the final day for the withdrawal of nominations, and all eyes are on whether the high-stakes battle will turn into an unopposed win for the ruling alliance or a contest.

According to reliable sources, CM Fadnavis made a direct phone call to Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal. During the conversation, CM Fadnavis reportedly requested the Congress party to withdraw its candidate from the Baramati by-election to ensure the unopposed election of Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, who is contesting as the candidate for the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction).

This move is being viewed as one of the most surprising incidents in recent state politics. It is perhaps the first time that a top leader from the ruling BJP has directly contacted the state head of the primary opposition party to seek a withdrawal of candidacy.

Similarly, the NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar spoke to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and discussed the withdrawal of the party's nominee in Baramati.

The Congress high command has informed Pawar that they are "positively considering" the proposal. Pawar told reporters, "The Congress has decided to contest the by-election in Baramati. It is a national party. We cannot tell them what to do, but coincidentally, this seat has become vacant after the demise of a capable representative from Maharashtra. If asked, I would advise Congress. It would be appropriate for this election to be held unopposed, but the decision is up to Congress."

This development follows a high-level meeting on Wednesday where Sunetra Pawar and key NCP leaders met with CM Fadnavis, who assured the party leadership that the full strength of the alliance would be behind her candidacy.

By reaching out to the Congress President, the Chief Minister has demonstrated his commitment to securing a smooth path for Sunetra Pawar.

The Congress party had previously maintained a firm stance on contesting the seat, refusing to back down. However, Congress has now decided to withdraw from the race, as stated by the Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar. The final announcement from the Congress party is expected soon after it gets a green signal from the party's high command, he said earlier.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Very interesting move. It seems like a strategic masterstroke by Fadnavis to ensure a smooth win for Sunetra Pawar and consolidate the alliance. But it also makes the opposition look weak if they just withdraw. Sharad Pawar's statement is classic Pawar saheb – diplomatic but clear about what he wants.
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Aman W
As a voter from Maharashtra, I find this whole "unopposed win" culture disturbing. Elections are meant to give us a choice. What's the point if parties just fix things among themselves? This is not healthy for democracy, yaar.
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Priyanka N
Respectfully, I think the Congress should contest. Withdrawing sets a bad precedent. They are a national party and should show some spine. An unopposed win might be convenient for the ruling side, but it denies the people of Baramati a voice. Hope the high command thinks about the principle, not just short-term politics.
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Vikram M
All this just proves that Baramati is the ultimate prize in Maharashtra politics right now. The fact that the CM himself is making calls shows its importance. Sunetra Pawar getting elected unopposed would be a huge symbolic victory for the Ajit Pawar faction and the BJP-led alliance.
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Karan T
Behind-the-scenes negotiations are part of politics. If it saves public money on a by-election that the ruling side is almost certain to win, maybe it's pragmatic. But it does feel like the common voter is just a spectator in these high-level games.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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