Party steps back as mark of respect for late Ajit Pawar
Sunetra Pawar is set to win the Baramati bypoll unopposed after the Indian National Congress withdrew its candidate ahead of the April 23 vote.
The bypoll was necessitated by the death of Ajit Pawar, who passed away in a plane crash earlier this year.
Congress cites respect for Ajit Pawar
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala confirmed the decision, stating that the party chose not to contest as a mark of respect. The Congress had earlier fielded Akash More, but withdrew following appeals from multiple political leaders.
Devendra Fadnavis reportedly spoke to state Congress leadership, urging them to reconsider.
Leaders from the Nationalist Congress Party, including Supriya Sule and Rohit Pawar, also called for an uncontested election.
Veteran leader Sharad Pawar said while he could not direct Congress, he supported the idea of an unopposed bypoll.
Family and political legacy factor
Sources indicated that Sunetra Pawar herself reached out to Congress leaders, highlighting Ajit Pawar’s long-standing political ties, including his earlier association with the Congress.
Her son Parth Pawar had earlier criticised the Congress for fielding a candidate, warning of political consequences.
Bypoll now a formality
With no major opposition candidates in the fray, Sunetra Pawar’s victory is now seen as a formality, turning the bypoll into a symbolic gesture honouring Ajit Pawar’s legacy.
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