Baramati Bypoll 2026: Sunetra Pawar’s unopposed victory is certain, Congress withdrew the candidate at the last moment.

News India Live, Digital Desk: A major upheaval has taken place in Baramati, the most important stronghold of Maharashtra politics. Congress has withdrawn the name of its candidate Akash Vishwanath More for the assembly by-election to be held on 23 April 2026. With this decision, the way has been cleared for the unopposed victory of the state’s Deputy Chief Minister and NCP candidate Sunetra Pawar. This move of Congress has ended the electoral battle of Baramati on Thursday (April 9), the last day of withdrawal of nominations. Congress ‘backed down’ in honor of Ajit Pawar. This by-election is being held on the seat vacant due to the sudden demise of veteran leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal formally announced the decision during a press briefing in Mumbai. Sapkal said that Ajit Pawar was a strong leader of Maharashtra and to express respect towards him, Congress has stepped back while accepting emotional appeals. However, he also made it clear that the party will continue its fight against the ideology of BJP. Sharad Pawar’s ‘advice’ and grand alliance’s strategy. Interestingly, this by-election also saw a lot of turmoil within the opposition alliance (MVA). Initially Congress was adamant to contest on this seat, but NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar advised Congress to remove its candidate at the last moment. Sharad Pawar said that this seat has become vacant due to the demise of a talented leader (Ajit Pawar), in such a situation holding elections unanimously would be a better message. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Sunetra Pawar himself had also contacted the Congress leadership and appealed for unopposed elections. Beginning of a new political tradition in Baramati. Ajit Pawar had been representing Baramati for the last eight times. This was the first time after his death that there was doubt about the legacy of the Pawar family. But now Sunetra Pawar is certain to be elected unopposed. Political experts believe that with this decision a new ‘cordial’ tradition has been seen in the politics of Maharashtra, where rival parties have also shown unity in times of grief. Now only formalities are left, after which Sunetra Pawar will be officially declared elected.