Sunetra Pawar Votes in Baramati Bypoll, Vows to Fulfil Late Husband's Vision

On this occasion, Member of Parliament Parth Ajit Pawar also cast his vote at the same location. There are in all 23 candidates, including Sunetra Pawar, in the fray. The by-election was necessitated following the untimely demise of former Deputy CM and NCP national President Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28 in Baramati.

Sunetra Ajit Pawar appealed to all citizens to recognise their responsibility and actively participate in the voting process. NCP has claimed that Sunetra Pawar will be elected with a record margin of votes as the voters from Baramati will come in large numbers to pay tribute to Ajit Pawar.

The Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi have supported Sunetra Pawar's nomination.

Earlier, in a poignant conclusion to the poll campaign for the Baramati Assembly by-election, Mahayuti candidate and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Tuesday delivered a deeply emotional speech that resonated across the constituency. Addressing a massive crowd, she broke down in tears while remembering her late husband, Ajit Pawar, asserting that she has taken up this "Gordian knot" (Shiv Dhanushya) to fulfil his vision for Baramati. She added that she has locked her grief in a "cellar" to serve the people of Baramati.

Sunetra Pawar characterised the political support she has received as a collective backing for the development of Baramati.

Expressing her gratitude to all organisations that extended their support, she acknowledged the contributions of the family elders and her husband. She positioned herself as a "servant of the people" rather than a politician. "The foundation was laid by the foresight of Sharad Pawar, and Ajit Pawar built the pinnacle upon it," she stated.

"This ground has a tradition of struggle and unity; it is the same venue where Ajit Pawar was once accorded a civic reception. This sea of people is a testament to the respect and love Baramati holds for him."

Admitting that her heart refuses to accept holding a rally without Ajit Pawar, she clarified her role in the election. "I am standing here not just as a candidate, but to preserve the lifelong bond we share with Baramati. Baramati is my strength, and you are all my family," she said.

She further emphasised that Baramati was her husband's "breath" and that every voter was a "Pandurang" (deity) to him.

- IANS