Congress Prepared to Contest Baramati Bypoll Against Sunetra Pawar
The Congress party in Maharashtra has declared its preparedness to contest the upcoming Baramati assembly bypoll against Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Sunetra Pawar. However, the party has indicated it may wait for some additional time for its alliance partner, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), to make the first move regarding fielding a candidate.
Bypoll Details and Political Context
The bypoll for the Baramati seat became necessary following the unfortunate demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. This election is scheduled to take place on April 23, concurrently with the Rahuri seat, which fell vacant after the passing of BJP MLA Shivaji Kardile. The political landscape in Maharashtra is closely watching these developments, as they could influence alliance dynamics and future electoral strategies.
Earlier, Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis mentioned that he was exploring ways to ensure the election proceeds unopposed, highlighting the BJP's interest in a smooth electoral process. In March, NCP (SP) MP and Sharad Pawar's daughter, Supriya Sule, stated that her party would not field a candidate against Sunetra Pawar, adding a layer of complexity to the alliance's decision-making.
Congress Stance and Alliance Dynamics
State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal emphasized that the Baramati seat has traditionally been part of the NCP's quota within the alliance for decades, even after the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Therefore, he asserted that the first claim on the seat rests with NCP (SP). "But if they do not contest, we will field a candidate," Sapkal added, underscoring the Congress's commitment to maintaining its political stand.
A senior Congress leader elaborated on the party's perspective, noting that the NCP split occurred because the two factions hold divergent stands—one supporting the BJP and the other opposing it. Based on this ideological divide, Pawar family members have previously contested elections against each other in both Parliament and assembly elections. "Now why are they changing their stand? We all feel sorry for the loss of Ajit Pawar, but it's a matter of our stand to fight the election against the NCP-BJP alliance," the leader stated.
Implications of NCP (SP) Decision
The senior Congress leader further added that if NCP (SP) chooses not to field a candidate against Sunetra Pawar, it could signal a move closer to the BJP. "Then what is their party's stand? We will contest for the seat...and we have a candidate ready to give a good fight," the leader affirmed. This statement highlights the Congress's readiness to step in and uphold its ideological opposition to the NCP-BJP alliance, ensuring a competitive electoral battle in Baramati.
As the April 23 bypoll date approaches, all eyes are on the NCP (SP)'s decision, which will significantly impact the political strategies of the Congress and other parties involved. The outcome of this election could reshape alliance equations and influence future political maneuvers in Maharashtra.
