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Congress Picks Akash More to Challenge Sunetra Pawar in Baramati Bypoll

The Congress party has announced Akash Vijayrao More as its candidate to contest the Baramati assembly by-election against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut clarified that there is no confusion within the MVA alliance, asserting that the Baramati seat traditionally belongs to NCP chief Sharad Pawar. The by-elections in Rahuri and Baramati were necessitated by the deaths of sitting MLAs Shivaji Kardile and Ajit Pawar, respectively. Polling for these seats is scheduled for April 23, 2026, with the counting of votes on May 4.

Key Points: Congress Candidate Akash More for Baramati Bypoll vs Sunetra Pawar

  • Congress names Akash More for Baramati
  • Contest against BJP-allied Sunetra Pawar
  • MVA unity affirmed by Sanjay Raut
  • By-polls set for April 23, 2026
  • Seats vacant after MLAs' demise
2 min read

Congress names Akash More as candidate for Baramati bypoll

Congress names Akash More as its candidate for the Baramati assembly by-election against Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar. Get the latest on MVA dynamics and poll schedule.

"The Baramati seat belongs to NCP chief Sharad Pawar - Sanjay Raut"

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

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
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.
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Priya S
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.
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Rahul R
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.
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Michael C
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.
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Nisha Z
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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