Mumbai, April 9: In a significant development regarding the Baramati by-election, Maharashtra Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar has announced that the party’s candidate, Akash More, is likely to withdraw his nomination.
Wadettiwar stated on Thursday that discussions among the state Congress president and several senior leaders have led to a consensus that the party should retract its nomination. Currently, the state president is conveying this message to the Congress high command, and a final decision will be made upon receiving their approval.
Notably, the deadline for withdrawing nominations is set for Thursday at 3 PM. A total of 47 candidates are contesting in this by-election, including NCP’s candidate and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, alongside Congress’s Akash More. This seat became vacant following the untimely death of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28.
Just hours before Wadettiwar’s announcement, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar had urged state Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal to withdraw the Congress candidate’s name. Additionally, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar met with Sapkal on Thursday morning, requesting the Congress candidate’s withdrawal to ensure Sunetra Pawar’s unopposed election.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar has also discussed this matter with the Congress high command. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis personally called Harshvardhan Sapkal to appeal for cooperation. NCP (SP) executive president Supriya Sule has also requested Congress to withdraw its candidate.
Wadettiwar emphasized that since Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is contesting, and considering the local sentiments, it would be prudent for Congress to step back from this election. Local leaders have also reached a consensus on this matter. The formal process will be completed once directives are received from the high command.
He noted that the NCP has repeatedly appealed for an unopposed election. This decision has been made in light of public sentiment and respect for Ajit Pawar. Many believe that since a family member of Ajit Pawar is contesting, no one else should challenge for the seat.
Wadettiwar reiterated that the state president has received numerous calls, including from the ruling party and Sunetra Pawar, all urging the party to withdraw. Considering everyone’s sentiments and the current situation, the party has decided to step back.
Despite Wadettiwar’s public announcement regarding the withdrawal, sources indicate that no official final decision has yet been made. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is currently attending a high-level meeting with senior leaders, including Ramesh Chennithala and state president Harshvardhan Sapkal.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra government minister and NCP MLA Chhagan Bhujbal has also contacted Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal, urging the Congress to withdraw its candidate.
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