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Sharad Pawar Urges Unopposed Baramati Bypoll as Tribute to Ajit Pawar

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar has publicly advised the Congress party to consider withdrawing its candidate for an unopposed by-election in the Baramati Assembly constituency. This call comes as a proposed tribute to the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, whose death necessitated the bypoll. Pawar's daughter and MP, Supriya Sule, reinforced this appeal, urging Congress to honor Ajit Pawar's long association with the party. The by-election is scheduled for April 23, with the seat being critical for Sunetra Pawar, Ajit's wife, to retain eligibility for the Deputy CM's position.

Key Points: Sharad Pawar Advises Congress on Baramati Bypoll

  • Pawar advises Congress to withdraw candidate
  • By-election follows Ajit Pawar's demise
  • Supriya Sule echoes call for unopposed poll
  • Polling scheduled for April 23
  • Seat is crucial for Deputy CM position
2 min read

"Best to have unopposed election in Baramati": Sharad Pawar advices Congress ahead of bypoll

NCP's Sharad Pawar suggests Congress withdraw candidate for an unopposed Baramati by-election as a tribute to late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.

"It would be best to have an unopposed election in Baramati. - Sharad Pawar"

Baramati, April 9

NCP supremo Sharad Pawar on Thursday called for an unopposed by-election to the Baramati Assembly constituency while maintaining that the decision to withdraw its candidate in favour of Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar is up to Congress.

Congress has fielded Akash More against the Mahayuti candidate and NCP chief Sunetra Pawar, who needs to be part of the Assembly to be in the Deputy CM's seat.

"Congress has decided to contest the election. It is a national party, so we can't say anything to them. But if I am asked, I would like to advise Congress that it would be best to have an unopposed election in Baramati. The decision is up to Congress," Pawar told reporters here.

Earlier in the day, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule also urged Congress to withdraw Akash More's candidature.

In an X post, she called for an unopposed election as a tribute to the late Ajit Pawar.

She said, "Following the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, the Baramati Assembly constituency now faces a by-election. Ajit Dada's political journey began with the Congress party, and he maintained a long-standing, respectful association with it throughout his career."

"In this moment of grief and remembrance, an unopposed election in Baramati would serve as a dignified and heartfelt tribute to his legacy of public service and inclusive politics. I sincerely appeal to the Congress leadership to consider this gesture in the spirit of respect, unity," the post read.

Akash More is the secretary of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee. His father, Vijayrao More, was a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC).

The Election Commission of India (ECI) had earlier announced the schedule for by-elections to eight Assembly constituencies in six states. The two Maharashtra constituencies include Rahuri in Ahilyanagar district and Baramati in Pune district.

The seats fell vacant following the demise of MLA Shivaji Bhanudas Kardile from Rahuri and Mahrashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Anantrao Pawar from Baramati. Polling for these by-elections will be held on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Supriya S
Supriya Sule's appeal is emotional and makes sense. An unopposed election as a tribute to Ajit Dada would be a dignified gesture. Politics needs such moments of respect beyond party lines. Hope the Congress high command listens.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, I disagree with the idea of an unopposed election. Baramati is not a family borough; it's a constituency of the people. Voters deserve a choice. This sets a wrong precedent. Democracy means contesting elections, not backroom understandings.
P
Priyanka N
The Pawar family's internal politics is now a national spectacle. First the split, now this bypoll. Sunetra Pawar needs to win to keep the Deputy CM seat. Congress is stuck between showing strength and maintaining alliance dharma. Tough days for MVA.
K
Karthik V
From a strategic view, Congress should contest. They have a decent candidate in Akash More. If they give a walkover now, what message does it send to their workers in Maharashtra? Sometimes you have to fight even symbolic battles. 💪
M
Meera T
The emotional appeal is touching, but let's be real. This is about power. Ajit Pawar's legacy is important, but so is the democratic right of the people to choose their representative. An unopposed win for Sunetra Pawar just consolidates family control. Not good for democracy in the long run.

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

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