Baramati, April 6 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) national president, Sunetra Pawar, officially submitted her nomination for the Baramati Assembly by-election on Monday. She characterized this electoral battle as a pivotal effort to realize the unfulfilled aspirations of her late husband, the esteemed leader Ajit Pawar.

The seat became available following the unfortunate passing of Ajit Pawar in a plane accident earlier this year.

Joined by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, her sons Parth and Jay, along with numerous NCP officials including Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare, and Dilip Walse Patil, Sunetra Pawar conveyed a tone that was both somber and resolute. She framed the election not just as a political contest but as a “mission to carry forward Ajit Dada’s unfinished dreams”.

During her address, Sunetra Pawar expressed heartfelt gratitude for the faith shown in her by the MahaYuti alliance and the constituents of Baramati. “It is with a heavy heart that I stand before you today. This seat is Ajit Dada's legacy, and this by-election stems from a tragedy that has created a void in our lives. While I embrace the responsibility of being Deputy Chief Minister, I view it as my duty to safeguard the vision Dada had for Baramati and Maharashtra,” she stated.

Sunetra Pawar underscored her dedication to the developmental framework established by her late spouse, particularly emphasizing his commitment to infrastructure and financial discipline. She assured voters that the “Baramati Model” of progress would proceed with the same vigor and transparency. She committed to prioritizing the ‘Ladki Bahin’ initiative, a program that Ajit Pawar was instrumental in creating.

“The residents of Baramati have observed Dada's efforts for many years. I am merely a conduit to ensure that his legacy of service continues,” she added.

In alignment with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's sentiments, Sunetra Pawar referenced the state's political tradition of conducting by-elections unopposed following the death of a sitting member. “I have dedicated my life to supporting Dada from the sidelines. Today, fate has positioned me at the forefront. I urge everyone to respect the feelings of the Baramati populace. However, should a contest arise, we will face it fortified by the development achievements we have made,” she articulated.

Earlier, Shinde remarked that numerous organizations have already pledged their support. “It was our collective hope that this election be held without opposition. Given Ajit Dada's contributions to Baramati, even in the event of a contest, his legacy will guarantee a historic victory for Sunetra Tai,” he expressed, encouraging party members to approach the election earnestly.

Shinde further noted that Ajit Dada’s departure has created a significant void. “Nonetheless, Sunetra Tai has admirably accepted the role of Deputy Chief Minister. Devendra Fadnavis, Sunetra Vahini, and I are collaborating responsibly to advance the state. We are contesting this election as the MahaYuti. Sunetra Tai has been an observer of the work Ajit Dada initiated in this region. The community wholeheartedly supports Sunetra Tai as the MahaYuti candidate,” he added.

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, predicting a historic defeat for the opposition, called on the Congress party to refrain from filing a nomination in Baramati.

NCP Minister Chhagan Bhujbal mentioned that many have already pledged their support for Sunetra Pawar. “We will discuss the situation regarding the Congress candidate and make a request to them. While Congress is a distinct party, others have voluntarily declared their intent not to field a candidate in Baramati. We hope that Congress reconsiders its stance,” he remarked.

State NCP president Sunil Tatkare stated, “I urge all political parties to allow the Baramati by-election to proceed unopposed. However, if we are compelled to contest, I solemnly vow: elections have been conducted here since 1952, and we must all resolve to ensure that Sunetra Vahini (sister-in-law) is elected with a greater mandate than any candidate in the history of assembly elections thus far. This would be the most genuine homage to Ajit Dada.”

Directing his remarks to Sunetra Pawar, he added, “Sunetra Vahini, I have but one request: file your nomination papers today, and thereafter, like Ajit Dada, only return for the final concluding rally. Between now and then, we will manage the campaign.”

NCP Working President Praful Patel shared that he had personally reached out to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to garner support for an unopposed election for Sunetra Pawar.