The Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) on Thursday urged the Congress to withdraw its candidate from the Baramati bypoll 2026. The appeal aims to ensure an uncontested victory for NCP president Sunetra Pawar, reported the PTI.
Senior leaders including Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, and Rohit Pawar urged the Congress to withdraw its candidate from the polls.
Sharad Pawar stated that the bypoll has been necessitated by the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash earlier this year. He suggested that, under such circumstances, it would be appropriate for the Congress to refrain from contesting as a mark of respect, the news agency reported.
While acknowledging that the Congress is an independent national party, Pawar remarked that if consulted, he would advise making the election unopposed as a tribute to the late leader.
The NCP (SP) has confirmed it will not field any candidate against Sunetra Pawar. A total of 55 candidates have submitted nominations for the by-election, with April 9 being the final date for withdrawal, according to the PTI.
Sunetra Pawar files nomination
Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late Ajit Pawar and currently serving as Deputy Chief Minister, has filed her nomination for the April 23 bypoll. Despite ongoing efforts for a consensus, the Congress has fielded advocate Akash More as its candidate.
Supriya Sule reiterated the appeal, highlighting Ajit Pawar’s long-standing and cordial association with the Congress. She stated that an uncontested election would serve as a fitting tribute to his legacy and contributions, as per the PTI.
Rohit Pawar meets Congress leadership
Rohit Pawar met Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal to personally request the withdrawal of the party’s candidate. He expressed optimism that the Congress leadership would take a constructive decision after internal consultations, according to the PTI.
Congress sets condition for withdrawal
The Congress has indicated that it would consider withdrawing from the contest only if a First Information Report (FIR) is registered in connection with Ajit Pawar’s plane crash, which led to the by-election, reported the PTI.
The political atmosphere became strained after Parth Pawar, son of Sunetra Pawar, criticised the Congress for entering the fray and predicted the party’s decline. Rohit Pawar later expressed regret over his cousin’s remarks, attempting to ease tensions.
Demand for probe into plane crash
Rohit Pawar also emphasised the need for a thorough investigation into the crash. He expressed hope that Sunetra Pawar, currently in Delhi, would meet Amit Shah to seek a CBI inquiry into the incident.
(with PTI inputs)
