Congress names Akash More as candidate for Baramati bypoll
New Delhi, April 5
The Congress on Sunday named Akash Vijayrao More as its candidate against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar for the Baramati assembly by-election.
Akash More is the secretary of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee. His father, Vijayrao More, was a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC).
Earlier, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut refuted claims of any confusion within the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) regarding discussions on the upcoming by-elections in Rahuri and Baramati constituencies.
Speaking at a press conference, Raut emphasised that the Baramati seat belongs to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar, who had previously contested from the constituency.
He said three candidates from Shiv Sena (UBT) have expressed interest in contesting the Rahuri seat.
NCP leader Sunetra Pawar will contest the Baramati by-polls in alliance with the BJP.
Raut said the final decision regarding Shiv Sena (UBT)'s participation rests with party president Uddhav Thackeray. He added that elections are a matter of respect and honour, and it is inappropriate to urge anyone not to contest or leave a seat uncontested.
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, 2026, with counting scheduled for May 4.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The political dynamics in Maharashtra are so complex. MVA allies seem to be sending mixed signals. Sanjay Raut says the seat belongs to Sharad Pawar's NCP, but Congress is fielding its own candidate. Needs better coordination.
Baramati is the ultimate test. Sunetra Pawar has the entire BJP-NDA machinery behind her. For Congress, this is more about making a statement and securing their vote share than actually winning. A tough battle ahead.
Respectfully, I feel this is a strategic mistake by Congress. They should have supported the NCP (Sharad Pawar) candidate to present a united opposition against the BJP-Ajit Pawar alliance. Dividing anti-BJP votes helps no one.
Interesting to see how this plays out. The by-election is two years away (2026), so a lot can change in the political landscape. The candidate has time to build his profile.
Hope the focus remains on local development issues - water, roads, employment - and not just on political family dramas. That's what the people of Baramati and Rahuri truly deserve. 🤞
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