Nagpur/Mumbai, April 4 (NationPress) In light of the by-election prompted by the passing of Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has called upon all political factions to ensure that the Baramati Assembly election proceeds without opposition.

During a press briefing, CM Fadnavis remarked, “Every political entity should extend their support to Sunetra Pawar. Maharashtra has a rich tradition of holding by-elections without opposition following the death of a sitting representative. For instance, when R.R. Patil (Aba) passed away unexpectedly, the BJP demonstrated generosity by opting not to contest the election, thus ensuring it was unopposed.”

He affirmed Sunetra Pawar as the Mahayuti candidate and urged the Opposition to back her candidacy as a tribute to the late Deputy Chief Minister. He emphasized that this act would honor Maharashtra's political tradition of refraining from contesting against the family of a deceased leader, preserving decorum while paying homage to Ajit Pawar's significant contributions to both the constituency and the state.

This appeal was made just hours after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and party MP Sanjay Raut declared in Mumbai that their party would refrain from nominating a candidate in the Baramati bypoll. NCP leader Sunetra Pawar also engaged with Uddhav Thackeray, seeking his backing for an unopposed election. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP has similarly signaled its support.

Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare has urged all political parties in both the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi to collaborate to ensure that the Baramati bypoll is conducted without opposition.

In a post on X, Tatkare remarked, “The by-election for the Baramati Assembly constituency is imminent. Given the deeply emotional context following the unfortunate passing of Ajitdada, the residents of Baramati are approaching this election with a mix of sorrow and emotion. For the people of Baramati, this situation is both tragic and poignant. Since the beginning, it has been my and the Nationalist Congress Party's sincere desire that this election should be unopposed. Following the loss of Maharashtra's beloved and esteemed leader, this is a collective responsibility of everyone towards their leader and colleague. This will also reinforce the political culture of Maharashtra. Hence, I appeal to all political entities in the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi to join forces to facilitate an unopposed Baramati bypoll.”

However, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Harshwardhan Sapkal stated that candidates for the Baramati and Rahuri Assembly constituencies are currently under review and that names will be confirmed shortly. He affirmed that the Congress remains committed to contesting the bypolls.

In the meantime, NCP nominee and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is set to submit her nomination papers on April 6 in Baramati, accompanied by senior party leaders, ministers, MPs, and office-bearers.