After a brief calm, faultlines within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) have resurfaced, this time over the Baramati assembly by-election, with alliance partners divided on strategy and candidate selection.
Candidate speak: Sunetra Pawar
After filing nomination, Pawar addressed party workers:
>> Called Baramati “like a mother” to late Ajit Pawar
>> Said development of Baramati was his only goal
>> Described this as the first election after his passing and a chance to fulfil his vision
>> “I am standing here because of Baramati. It is my only strength,” she said.
>> She added that the election belongs to the people of Baramati, who will decide the outcome.
Why the bypoll?
The election was necessitated following the deaths of:
>> Ajit Pawar, who represented Baramati
>> Shivajirao Kardile, MLA from Rahuri
>> Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28.
Big picture
What was expected to be a straightforward by-election has turned into a test of opposition unity. With public sparring, competing candidates, and mixed signals from within, the Baramati contest is now as much about internal equations as electoral outcome.
The contest
Congress has fielded Akash More against Sunetra Pawar.
Other candidates include Karuna Dhananjay Munde.
There’s a possibility of a multi-cornered contest despite talks.
Congress hits back
Sachin Sawant, Congress leader
He said decisions should not be announced without consulting alliance partners, calling it a poor precedent.
Nana Patole, former Assembly Speaker
Patole, in a veiled warning, said he too has “a lot of information and content”. “I will seek permission from the party high command, and then speak on the issue,” he added.
Sharad Pawar weighs in
Sharad Pawar
Veteran leader downplayed the issue, saying there is nothing wrong with Congress fielding a candidate.
On Parth Pawar’s remark, he said: “One needs political maturity to make such a statement. How much there is today, I cannot say or comment on it.”
Saamna vs Congress
Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) escalated tensions through its mouthpiece Saamna.
MP Sanjay Raut wrote that the Congress must learn to adjust to regional parties. He stressed that opposition forces need to work together, support each other, and strengthen unity at the Centre.
Parth Pawar’s blunt take
MP Parth Pawar struck a different note, expressing disappointment over Congress’ decline in Maharashtra.
“No one can be stopped. There is no need to call or speak to anyone. Whatever is destined will happen,” he said.
NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) push for consensus
After Sunetra Pawar filed her nomination, state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare said he, along with Praful Patel, will speak to Congress leaders in Delhi to try and ensure the election is held unopposed.
