Fadnavis Urges Unopposed Baramati Bypoll, Shiv Sena Backs, Congress Hesitates

Speaking to reporters, CM Fadnavis said, "All parties should support Sunetra Pawar. Maharashtra has a long-standing tradition of conducting by-elections unopposed when they are caused by the death of a sitting representative. When R.R. Patil (Aba) passed away tragically, the BJP showed magnanimity by deciding not to contest the election, ensuring it was unopposed."

He confirmed Sunetra Pawar as the Mahayuti candidate and urged the Opposition to support her candidature as a mark of respect to the late Deputy Chief Minister. He reiterated that such a gesture would uphold Maharashtra's political tradition of not fielding a candidate against the family of a deceased leader and would maintain decorum while honouring Ajit Pawar's contribution to the constituency and the state.

The appeal comes hours after Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and party MP Sanjay Raut announced in Mumbai that the party would not field a candidate in the Baramati bypoll. NCP leader Sunetra Pawar also spoke to Uddhav Thackeray, requesting support for an unopposed election. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP has also indicated a similar stand.

Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare also appealed to all political parties in both the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi to cooperate to ensure that the Baramati bypoll is held unopposed.

In a post on X, Tatkare said, "The by-election for the Baramati Assembly constituency is about to take place. In the extremely emotional circumstances following the tragic demise of Ajitdada, the people of Baramati are facing this election. For the people of Baramati, this situation is as unfortunate as it is emotional. It has been my and the Nationalist Congress Party's honest wish from the very beginning that this election should be held unopposed. After the passing of Maharashtra's beloved and towering leader, this is a shared responsibility of everyone toward their leader and colleague. Moreover, this will also uphold the political culture of Maharashtra. Therefore, I appeal to all political parties in the Mahayuti as well as the Maha Vikas Aghadi to cooperate so that the Baramati bypoll can be held unopposed."

However, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Harshwardhan Sapkal said candidates have been scrutinised for the Baramati and Rahuri Assembly constituencies and that names will be finalised soon. He added that the Congress is firm on contesting the bypolls.

Meanwhile, NCP nominee and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar will file her nomination papers on April 6 in Baramati in the presence of senior party leaders, ministers, MPs, and office-bearers.

- IANS