Congress Eyes Baramati, Rahuri Seats as MVA Unity Faces Bypoll Test

The vacancies arose following two tragic events: the death of sitting BJP MLA Shivajirao Kardile in Rahuri and the untimely demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati constituency in a plane crash on January 28. The polling is scheduled for April 23, and the counting is on May 4.

NCP nominee Sunetra Pawar, who is the party's national president and state Deputy Chief Minister, will file her nomination papers on April 6 as the party has decided to put up a show of strength during that day in Baramati.

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Harshvardhan Sapkal confirmed that the party has already initiated the candidate selection process. "The party has received six applications for the Baramati seat, and interviews of potential candidates have been conducted online. For the Rahuri constituency, four applications have been received; the selection process is in its final stages. While the party is ready to fight, the final seal of approval on candidates will only come after discussions with Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies. "We will announce our official stand within the next two days," he added.

Responding to Congress' move, Shiv Sena(UBT) MP Sanjay Raut emphasised the need for a collective decision within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Raut highlighted the "family dharma" regarding Baramati, suggesting that Sharad Pawar's NCP(SP) might refrain from contesting out of respect for the late Ajit Pawar.

"If Sharad Pawar's party decides not to contest Baramati as a matter of family duty, we should not oppose others who wish to fight there. However, the MVA must sit together and decide," Raut said.

Regarding Rahuri, Raut pointed out that Prajakt Tanpure of the NCP(SP) had previously contested the seat effectively. He took a subtle swipe at Congress' national strategy, saying that "Congress moves to contest everywhere -- be it Bihar, West Bengal, or Nagaland -- only to realise their standing after the results. The foundation of the MVA is that the strongest party in a particular region should lead the fight there."

Tanpure has shown interest in entering the electoral fray on the NCP(SP) ticket backed by MVA. However, he said the party has yet to make a decision in this regard.

Political observers said the decision by Congress to push for these seats adds a layer of complexity to the MVA's internal dynamics. While the BJP has already moved to field Akshay Kardile (son of the late Shivajirao Kardile) in Rahuri, the MVA's ability to present a united front will be tested in the coming days.

As of now, the MVA leadership is expected to hold a high-level meeting to prevent any "friendly fights" that might inadvertently benefit the Mahayuti alliance.

- IANS