Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar will file her nomination on April 6 for the upcoming by-election to the Baramati Assembly constituency in Pune district, according to party sources, reported news agency PTI.
The bypoll is scheduled to be held on April 23 and has drawn significant political attention due to its high-profile nature.
Bypoll Triggered by Ajit Pawar’s Death
The by-election was necessitated following the death of senior leader Ajit Pawar, who represented Baramati and was an eight-time MLA from the constituency. He passed away in a plane crash earlier this year, creating a vacancy in the Assembly seat.
Sunetra Pawar, who is currently a Rajya Sabha member, has been chosen as the party’s candidate for the crucial contest.
Nomination to Follow Public Meeting
Sources indicated that Sunetra Pawar will file her nomination papers after addressing a public meeting in Baramati. The event is expected to be attended by senior leaders, signalling the importance of the seat for the ruling alliance, reported PTI.
Fadnavis and Shinde Likely to Be Present
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are expected to be present during the nomination process, underscoring the political significance of the by-election, reported PTI.
Baramati Remains Key Political Stronghold
Baramati has long been considered a stronghold of the Pawar family. In previous elections, Ajit Pawar secured the seat with large margins, including a victory by over 1.65 lakh votes in 2019 and more than one lakh votes in the 2024 Assembly election.
The constituency continues to hold strategic importance in Maharashtra politics.
Opposition Strategy Takes Shape
While the faction led by Sharad Pawar has announced that it will not contest the bypoll, its ally, the Congress, has indicated that it will field a candidate to ensure a contest.
This sets the stage for a politically significant electoral battle despite the absence of one major faction.
Another Bypoll in Rahuri Constituency
Alongside Baramati, the Rahuri Assembly seat in Ahilyanagar district will also go to polls on April 23. The by-election there was necessitated following the death of BJP legislator Shivaji Kardile.
Focus on Leadership Continuity
Sunetra Pawar, who recently assumed the role of Deputy Chief Minister and was elected president of the Nationalist Congress Party, is expected to carry forward the political legacy in Baramati.
The bypoll will be closely watched as it could influence the political dynamics in the region ahead of future electoral contests.
(With inputs from PTI)
