Pune, April 6 (NationPress) A significant development has emerged in the Baramati Assembly bye-election, as Congress candidate Advocate Akash More has issued a striking ultimatum. He demands that the Mahayuti government file a formal FIR before he considers withdrawing his nomination.

In a press conference, More made it clear that he would reassess his candidacy only if the Maharashtra government initiates a formal First Information Report (FIR) and thoroughly investigates the aircraft accident that resulted in Ajit Pawar's tragic demise.

"We are engaged in this struggle to uphold democracy and challenge the BJP's ideology," More expressed.

He further stated, "The incident involving Ajit Pawar was not merely an accident; uncovering the truth is crucial. If the government proceeds with registering an FIR and conducts a serious investigation, only then will I contemplate withdrawing my nomination," More emphasized.

More, a practicing lawyer, carries a political heritage; his father previously contested against Ajit Pawar in the 2014 elections.

He challenged the government's transparency regarding the incident, insisting that the Home Ministry should treat the death of a prominent leader with the gravity it deserves.

"The 'Karta Purush' (leader) of Baramati and Maharashtra has passed away. Why is there no satisfactory explanation or thorough investigation? While we may have opposed Ajit Dada politically, we supported him in terms of the state's progress. The absence of an FIR in the case of a major leader's accidental death raises significant concerns," More remarked.

He also mentioned the support of State Congress President, Harshwardhan Sapkal, for his position.

Atul Londhe, a senior spokesperson for the Congress party, backed More's condition for withdrawing his nomination.

"Given the circumstances surrounding Ajit Dada's death, even his family believed an enquiry was warranted. This is why Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Tai Pawar herself called for a CBI investigation. What has become of that request? Rohit Pawar has been tirelessly trying to get an FIR filed across Maharashtra, yet only succeeded in Karnataka. Is this what you call sensitivity?"

"Even now, our candidate and the Congress party assert that an FIR must first be registered in Maharashtra—specifically in Baramati. Only then will we contemplate your request; only then will your true intentions be revealed," he added.

Londhe confirmed that More will submit his nomination on Monday as the Congress candidate for the Baramati Assembly bye-election. "Nevertheless, there are many discussions and criticisms regarding this; numerous individuals suggest that Congress should refrain from contesting this election, citing past traditions. But did an election not occur after Vasantrao Chavan's death in Nanded? Was there no election in Mangalvedha following Bharat Bhalke's passing? Many instances can be cited where the BJP has manipulated politics to suit their own needs," he concluded.

The Congress party's actions have disrupted the likelihood of an uncontested election. Initially, it was anticipated that the seat would remain uncontested after the Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray factions of the Maha Vikas Aghadi expressed their support for Sunetra Pawar.

The bye-election was necessitated by the untimely passing of Ajit Pawar. While Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar had been striving for an uncontested election, the Congress party's decision to field Akash More—son of former Congress legislator Vijay More—has surprised many.

As the deadline for withdrawal approaches, all eyes are on the Mahayuti government to see how they will respond to this demand for a criminal investigation into the tragic accident involving the late leader.

Meanwhile, NCP(SP) Legislator Rohit Pawar has called upon the citizens of Baramati to elect Sunetra Pawar with an overwhelming majority.

In his post on X, Rohit Pawar stated, "Hon. Sunetra Kaki is submitting her nomination today for the bye-election in the Baramati Assembly Constituency. It is our collective wish that this election proceeds uncontested, and we urge other candidates and their parties to agree to this. However, if that does not materialize, understanding that Ajit Dada himself is contesting, I appeal to the people of Baramati to elect Sunetra Kaki with a historic majority! Your single vote will serve as a fitting tribute to Ajit Dada!"