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BJP Fields Akshay Kardile for Rahuri Bypoll, Sunetra Pawar in Baramati

The BJP has nominated Akshay Kardile, son of the late legislator Shivajirao Kardile, for the Rahuri Assembly by-election. This move is seen as an attempt to consolidate the party's influence and leverage local leadership and sympathy. Concurrently, in Baramati, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is set to be fielded by the NCP following the death of her husband, Ajit Pawar. These twin by-elections on April 23 are viewed as a critical test for the ruling Mahayuti and opposition MVA alliances in Maharashtra's shifting political landscape.

Key Points: BJP Nominates Akshay Kardile for Rahuri, Sunetra Pawar for Baramati Bypoll

  • BJP nominates late leader's son for Rahuri
  • Bypolls seen as litmus test for state alliances
  • Sunetra Pawar to contest Baramati seat
  • MVA yet to finalize Rahuri candidate
  • Elections scheduled for April 23
2 min read

BJP nominates Akshay Kardile for Rahuri Assembly bypoll in Maharashtra

BJP picks Akshay Kardile for Rahuri bypoll after his father's death. Sunetra Pawar to contest Baramati. Key test for Maharashtra alliances.

"The selection of Akshay Kardile signals the BJP's intent to consolidate its influence in the Ahilyanagar district. - Political Analysis"

Mumbai, April 1

The Bharatiya Janata Party Central Election Committee on Wednesday announced Akshay Shivajirao Kardile as the nominee for the by-election in Maharashtra's Rahuri Assembly constituency.

The by-election was necessitated following the death of BJP legislator and former Minister Shivajirao Kardile in October last year. Shivajirao Kardile was a veteran political leader with his presence in the district and state cooperative sector. Akshay is the son of the late leader.

The polling is slated for April 23 and counting on May 4.

The selection of Akshay Kardile signals the BJP's intent to consolidate its influence in the Ahilyanagar district, previously known as Ahmednagar district. Rahuri has historically been a competitive seat, often seeing intense contests between the traditional powerhouses of Maharashtra politics.

By naming Kardile, the party appears to be leaning into local leadership to navigate the specific regional dynamics of the Rahuri segment. The party also seems keen to capitalise on the sympathy wave to take on the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which has yet to arrive at a consensus on the candidate for the by-election.

Former NCP(SP) Minister Prajakt Tanpure has evinced interest in contesting the by-election but has yet to get a green signal from the party leadership and also from the MVA allies, including Congress and Shiv Sena.

This by-election is viewed as a critical litmus test for the party's standing in the state's Legislative Assembly ahead of broader electoral cycles.

Meanwhile, the by-election in Baramati is also slated for April 23 following the untimely demise of former Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Ajit Pawar.

NCP will field Ajit Pawar's wife and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, hoping that she will be elected unopposed. The Congress party has said that it is keen to field its nominee, but has not yet made a formal announcement, as there are hardly any takers for nomination.

The political observers said that the elections in Rahuri and Baramati are a significant litmus test for both the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) following major shifts in the state's political landscape.

The by-elections are taking place after the BJP and Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena showed a strong performance in the local body elections recently concluded in January.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
While I understand the emotional connect, I wish parties would move beyond dynastic politics. There must be so many capable grassroots workers in Rahuri who deserve a chance. This "parivarvaad" trend needs to change for a healthier democracy. 🤔
V
Vikram M
As someone from Ahmednagar... sorry, Ahilyanagar district, Shivajirao Kardile saheb was a respected figure. His son will have big shoes to fill. The real issue is development - better roads, water for agriculture, and industrial jobs. Hope the focus remains on that.
A
Ananya R
The Baramati bypoll is even more interesting! Sunetra Pawar will likely win, but it shows how political families control certain seats. Meanwhile, Rahuri will be a proper fight. April 23 will be a mini-referendum on Maharashtra politics. 🗳️
M
Michael C
Following Indian politics from abroad. The timing is crucial with broader elections looming. If BJP wins both bypolls, it will be a massive morale booster for the Mahayuti alliance. The local body results already gave them momentum.
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Priya S
Good luck to Akshay Kardile. I hope he focuses on his father's work in the cooperative sector, which is the backbone of rural Maharashtra's economy. Sugar factories, milk unions - these need strong leadership. Jai Maharashtra! 🙏

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