Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Thursday described the ongoing Baramati Assembly by-election as a significant referendum on the work and legacy of the late Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar.
Speaking to ANI, she said, “Sunetra Pawar`s by-election in Baramati is a referendum for the good work, the decades of service of Ajit Pawar and Sunetra Pawar herself. The Pawar family have treated Baramati, their own constituency, as their family, and I`m sure it`s going to be a historic mandate.”
Sunetra Pawar casts vote in Katewadi
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar arrived at a polling booth in Katewadi on Thursday morning to cast her vote in the by-election.
She told ANI that the people of Baramati are voting to express their love and respect for the late Ajit Pawar.
Parth Pawar joins voting process
Sunetra Pawar was accompanied by Member of Parliament Parth Pawar, who also exercised his franchise at a Zilla Parishad School, participating in the democratic process.
‘Vote a tribute to Dada,’ says Sunetra Pawar
Addressing reporters, Sunetra Pawar said, “The people of Baramati have been standing in support of the ‘Pawar’ family for the last 60 years. This election is taking place in the absence of Dada, and all the people of Baramati have decided to cast their votes for Dada as a tribute to him.”
Tribute paid to late Ajit Pawar
Before casting her vote, Sunetra Pawar paid tribute to her late husband and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
The Baramati seat fell vacant following his death in a plane crash earlier this year.
Fadnavis backs Sunetra Pawar’s leadership
Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence in Mahayuti candidate Sunetra Pawar, stating she has the capability to carry forward Ajit Pawar’s legacy and fulfil his unfinished dreams.
Addressing a rally ahead of the April 23 bypoll, Fadnavis said, “She has not just become the state’s first woman Deputy Chief Minister, but also she would emerge as a strong and capable leader. I have absolutely no doubt about this.”
Demand for clarity on Ajit Pawar’s death
Referring to public sentiment, Fadnavis said there is deep sympathy for Ajit Pawar, but also raised concerns about the circumstances of his death.
“Everyone feels that the truth must come out. Until the truth behind this accident comes out, we will not sit quietly. We are determined to bring out the truth,” he said.
Call for record voter turnout
Fadnavis urged voters to ensure a high turnout, calling the election an opportunity to pay tribute to the late leader.
“There should be record voting on April 23. This is an opportunity for people to pay tribute to Ajit Pawar,” he said, urging voters to ensure a decisive mandate in favour of Sunetra Pawar.
By-election held after Ajit Pawar’s demise
The Baramati Assembly by-election is being held on April 23 following the vacancy created by the death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash earlier this year.
(With ANI inputs)
