Congress to withdraw from Baramati bypoll as mark of respect for Ajit Pawar, clear way for unopposed contest

IN a important climbdown hours before the nomination detachment deadline, the us congress on th proclaimed that it will not contest the Baramati assembly bypoll, paving the way for an uncontested victory for Sunetra Pawar.Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said the party had initially gone ahead with its campaign after fielding Akash More for the Baramati bypoll, but decided to withdraw following sustained outreach from NCP leaders."We discussed internally and were of the view that our decision was correct but considering the tradition of Maharashtra and the communication made, the party decided to withdraw our candidate Akash More from Baramati bypolls,” Sapkal said.“Ajit Pawar’s death was certainly unfortunate. He was also associated with Congress in the past. Sunetra Pawar telephoned me thrice till today. A delegation also met me. Senior NCP leaders Chhagan Bhujbal and Dhananjay Munde requested me on telephone. NCP SP MLA Rohit Pawar also made the same request and expressed regret over the statement made against Congress," he added.The announcement comes on the last day for withdrawal of nominations, effectively ending days of uncertainty over the Congress’ stand.As many as 20 candidates had withdrawn their nominations for the Baramati bypoll, till 1:45 pm on Thursday. A total of 55 candidates had initially filed their papers.Pressure campaign culminates in decisionThe Congress’ move follows sustained pressure from across the political spectrum to allow an unopposed election in Baramati after the death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28.The April 23 bypoll was necessitated after the deputy chief minister died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28, triggering calls for a symbolic, unopposed election.Supriya Sule appealed directly to the Congress leadership on Thursday, framing the move as a tribute. In a post on X, she said, “Following the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, the Baramati Assembly constituency now faces a by-election.”She underscored Pawar’s long association with the Congress, noting that “Ajit Dada’s political journey began with the Congress party,” and urged the party to consider “an unopposed election in Baramati” as “a dignified and heartfelt tribute to his legacy of public service and inclusive politics.” Congress signals possible rethinkEarlier, Congress legislative party chief Vijay Wadettiwar has indicated that the party may withdraw the nomination of its candidate, Akash More, from the Baramati bypoll, suggesting some room for flexibility amid mounting pressure.At the same time, Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal is in discussions with the party leadership, with insiders saying a final call is still being worked out.A five-member delegation led by NCP minister Makarand Patil has reached the Congress office to meet Sapkal on Thursday.The delegation, including MLAs Sanjay Khodke, Rajesh Vitekar, Manoj Kayande and Sana Malik, is expected to urge the Congress to reverse its decision and ensure the Baramati bypoll is uncontested.‘Congress will face consequences’Earlier in the day, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar also met Sapkal with a similar request.Meanwhile, state minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, “The Congress will face consequences if it doesn't let Sunetra win unopposed from Baramati. Its downfall will start from Baramati if it doesn't withdraw its candidate,” reported PTI.He added that people across Baramati and Maharashtra want Sunetra Pawar to be elected unopposed.Despite repeated appeals for consensus, 53 candidates, including Sunetra Pawar and Congress nominee Akash More, have filed nominations.The situation escalated after Parth Pawar criticised the Congress for fielding a candidate and predicted the party’s “downfall.” The Congress hit back sharply, calling him an “ungrateful son.”At the same time, both Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule have acknowledged that, as an independent political party, the Congress has every right to contest the election.(With inputs from HT correspondent Faisal Malik)