Sunetra Pawar’s unopposed victory is certain, Congress withdrew its 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 announced its candidates for the assembly by-elections to be held on 23 April 2026. Akash Vishwanath More Name has been withdrawn. With this decision, the Deputy Chief Minister of the state and NCP candidate Sunetra Pawar The path has been cleared for unopposed victory. This move of Congress, on the last day of withdrawal of nominations on Thursday (April 9), has ended the election battle of Baramati.

Congress ‘stepped back’ 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 this 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 strategy of Mahayuti

Interestingly, this by-election also saw a lot of turmoil within the opposition alliance (MVA). Initially Congress was adamant to contest this seat, but NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar At the last moment advised Congress to remove its candidate. 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 herself had also contacted the Congress leadership and appealed for unopposed elections.

Beginning of new political tradition in Baramati

Ajit Pawar was 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.