Mumbai, April 9 (NationPress) The leader of the Maharashtra Congress Legislature Party, Vijay Wadettiwar, announced on Thursday that Akash More, the party's candidate, is likely to withdraw from the Baramati by-election.

Wadettiwar informed the media, “After discussions among the state president and crucial leaders yesterday, there was a consensus that the party should withdraw. The state president is currently communicating these sentiments to the Central High Command, with an official decision anticipated following their approval.”

This announcement by Wadettiwar comes just hours before the withdrawal deadline, which is set for Thursday at 3 p.m. The Baramati bypoll features a total of 47 candidates, including NCP candidate and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and Congress's own nominee, Akash More. This election was necessitated by the tragic passing of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28.

Wadettiwar's statement follows a request from Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar to state Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal for the withdrawal of the Congress nominee. Additionally, NCP(SP) legislators met with Sapkal earlier today, urging him to facilitate the Congress nominee's withdrawal, thereby allowing for an unopposed election for Sunetra Pawar.

Notably, NCP(SP) Chief Sharad Pawar has had discussions with the Congress High Command regarding this matter. Furthermore, CM Devendra Fadnavis reached out to Congress State President Harshvardhan Sapkal, asking for cooperation to ensure an unopposed election.

Internal discussions are also heating up within the Congress party. NCP(SP) Working President Supriya Sule has also echoed the call for the Congress party to withdraw its nominee.

In light of these developments, Wadettiwar commented, “Given that Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar is in the race and considering the prevailing local sentiment, we believe it is prudent to halt our progress in this election. Our local leaders have reached a consensus, and we are in dialogue with the High Command. Once we receive their directive, the formal process will be executed.”

Wadettiwar also pointed out that the NCP has consistently requested an unopposed election. He emphasized that many in Maharashtra hold great respect for Ajit Pawar as a leading figure, and since a family member is contesting, there is a prevailing sentiment that the seat should remain uncontested.

Despite Wadettiwar's public statement regarding the withdrawal, sources reveal that an official decision is still pending. There seems to be a lack of coordination within the Congress party, as Wadettiwar made his announcement prior to the High Command reaching a conclusive decision.

Currently, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is engaged in high-level discussions with senior leaders, including Ramesh Chennithala and State President Harshvardhan Sapkal, concerning the potential withdrawal from Baramati.

Wadettiwar reiterated, “The State President has been receiving numerous calls from ruling party members and from candidate Sunetra Pawar. Considering the overall situation and the sentiments expressed, we have decided to withdraw.”