Sunetra Pawar Set for Unopposed Win in Baramati After Congress Withdrawal
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is set to win the Baramati bypoll unopposed after the Indian National Congress withdrew its candidate.
The bypoll, scheduled for April 23, has effectively turned into a one-sided contest.
The move is significant as it reinforces the Pawar family’s dominance in Baramati, a long-standing political stronghold.
Congress announced the withdrawal of its candidate Amar More on the final day of nominations. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal said the decision was taken as a “mark of respect” for the late Ajit Pawar.
Ajit Pawar, who represented Baramati since 1991, died in a plane crash earlier this year. Following his death, Sunetra Pawar was elevated to the post of Deputy Chief Minister.
The decision came after appeals from senior leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), including Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule.
A delegation led by Chhagan Bhujbal and Dhananjay Munde also engaged in discussions with Congress leadership.
Congress stated that while it initially wanted to contest on ideological grounds, it ultimately chose to step back out of respect for Ajit Pawar’s legacy.
The withdrawal ensures that both the Baramati Assembly seat and the Lok Sabha seat remain within the Pawar family’s control.
Baramati has historically been a stronghold of the family, with Sharad Pawar and later Ajit Pawar holding the seat for decades.
With no major challenger in the fray, Sunetra Pawar’s unopposed victory appears certain, marking a continuation of the Pawar family’s political legacy in the region.
Our Final Thoughts
The Baramati bypoll outcome reflects the deep-rooted influence of the Pawar family in Maharashtra politics. Congress’s decision to withdraw, framed as a gesture of respect, also highlights the role of political relationships and legacy in shaping electoral strategies. While the move ensures a smooth transition for Sunetra Pawar, it also raises questions about the space for competitive politics in stronghold constituencies. As regional dynamics evolve, Baramati remains a key example of how personal legacy and political alliances continue to influence electoral outcomes in India.