Baramati, April 9 (NationPress) A total of 23 candidates, featuring Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar from the Nationalist Congress Party, are contesting in the upcoming Baramati by-election scheduled for April 23.

The last opportunity to withdraw nomination papers was Thursday.

Despite the withdrawal of the Congress party’s candidate, Akash More, the election will not be unopposed as Sunetra Pawar faces off against 22 other candidates, predominantly independents.

Initially, by April 6, 53 candidates had submitted their nominations. By Wednesday, 24 of them withdrew, and an additional six exited the contest, leaving 23 candidates still in the race. Notably, two controversial figures, Abhijit Bichukale and Karuna Munde-Sharma, continue to draw attention.

There were rumors regarding their possible withdrawal following the Congress's decision; however, neither appeared at the election office today. Since they did not withdraw their nominations by the deadline, their candidacies remain intact, ensuring the by-election proceeds to a vote.

With 23 candidates now officially competing, the election machinery is preparing for the polls. The withdrawal of the mainstream Congress candidate has significantly impacted the dynamics for the remaining contenders, making the April 23 vote a pivotal moment for local leadership.

Earlier today, the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee confirmed its withdrawal from the upcoming Baramati Assembly by-election.

State President Harshwardhan Sapkal announced the decision during a press conference today, coinciding with the final withdrawal deadline.

Sapkal explained that the initial choice to contest, made on March 15, was a strategic ideological stance against the Bharatiya Janata Party. However, a wave of emotional appeals from across the political spectrum prompted a reevaluation.

“The loss of Ajit Pawar, a prominent leader in Maharashtra, has created a significant void in the state’s political arena,” Sapkal remarked.

He indicated that while the Congress remains ideologically opposed to the BJP, it must respect Maharashtra's cultural and emotional traditions.

Sapkal noted that several top leaders from the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi approached the Congress leadership to request the withdrawal.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar reached out multiple times, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday morning, highlighting the enduring relationship between Ajit Pawar and the Congress party.

Senior NCP figures, including Chhagan Bhujbal and Dhananjay Munde, made personal phone calls advocating for political grace and tradition, Sapkal mentioned.

Sapkal also revealed that NCP SP chief Sharad Pawar had advised on the issue, and NCP SP working president Supriya Sule echoed sentiments for a dignified tribute to the late leader.

After a meeting with Rohit Pawar, Sapkal shared that Rohit sought cooperation and expressed regret over certain “immature remarks” made by others against the Congress recently, acting on behalf of the Pawar family to mend relationships.

“In the end, our senior leadership deliberated thoroughly on the matter. While we were ready for this election, we have opted to prioritize harmony, civility, and Maharashtra’s political culture,” Sapkal stated.

“Given Ajit Dada’s longstanding association with the Congress and the emotional requests from his family and colleagues, we have decided to withdraw our candidate, Akash More,” he concluded.