Mumbai, April 7 (NationPress) The political landscape in Maharashtra has become increasingly charged following Sunetra Pawar's nomination for the Baramati bypoll. The Congress party's decision to put forth a candidate against her has ignited a verbal clash between the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and its allies, with Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut staunchly supporting Congress' right to run.

In response to NCP MP Parth Pawar's assertion that Congress' candidacy signifies the "start of its decline in Maharashtra," Raut, at a press briefing, echoed veteran leader Sharad Pawar's sentiments. "I stand with Sharad Pawar. Congress is a national entity and has every right to participate in elections," he declared.

Raut highlighted the irony in Parth Pawar's remarks, recalling recent events. "Parth's father, Ajit Pawar, contested the Pimpri-Chinchwad by-election after Laxman Jagtap's demise, with Congress' support. If they could seek assistance then, why can’t Congress contest now?" he questioned.

Sharad Pawar had previously dismissed Parth's comments, emphasizing that discussing significant political decisions requires a degree of "maturity."

The debate expanded beyond Baramati to include the Rahuri constituency, where former NCP(SP) Minister Prajakt Tanpure stepped back from the race. While some alleged that Tanpure was "coerced" into withdrawing, Raut suggested a more sinister reality. "No one is 'persuaded' in today’s political arena; they are threatened," Raut asserted.

He probed into the roles of BJP leaders Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and Ravindra Chavan. "Are they notable revolutionaries or freedom fighters? They likely arrived with documents about sugar factories and cooperative banks to intimidate him. Those who succumb to these threats withdraw, but those who wish to thrive in politics must fight. If you don’t intend to battle, then live as subservient to the BJP,” he remarked.

Raut further claimed that his party is undaunted by the BJP's "authoritarian" measures, stating, "This is a democracy, not 'Trump-shahi' (Trump-style governance)."

Clarifying the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s (MVA) position, Raut noted that while personal goodwill exists towards the Pawar family, no MVA member has officially endorsed Sunetra Pawar's candidacy.

Raut revealed an important condition laid down by the Congress party regarding their candidate, Akash More. "Congress has made it clear that they will contemplate withdrawing their candidate only if an FIR is filed in Maharashtra concerning the dubious accident involving Ajit Pawar," he stated.

Although NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar has decided against fielding a candidate for personal reasons, the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s stance is still under discussion. Raut indicated that Uddhav Thackeray would soon provide clarity on the party’s official perspective. "The Baramati election will likely unfold without the typical high-energy campaigning. The voters of Baramati are intelligent; they will convey their views calmly through the ballot box," he commented.