Sunetra Pawar Set for Baramati Bypoll Win After Congress Withdraws
Sunetra Pawar Set for Baramati Bypoll Win After Congress Withdraws
Baramati bypoll appears set for Sunetra Pawar after Congress withdraws its candidate, with independents in the fray and opposition signaling a united front against BJP.
Baramati is in the political spotlight as the assembly bypoll heads toward a likely win for Sunetra Pawar of the NCP, following the Congress's decision to withdraw its candidate. With Akash More initially fielded, the Congress opted to pull back, a move framed as a step to reinforce the anti-BJP coalition's cohesion in Maharashtra. The development underscores Baramati’s status as a pivotal electoral battleground and signals a broader strategy to consolidate opposition votes against the ruling party.
In Mumbai, party leadership described the withdrawal as a strategic signal to voters, while reiterating the aim of contesting BJP in other seats such as Rahuri. Harshwardhan Sapkal, the Maharashtra Congress president, communicated the party's stance in a press briefing, framing the move as part of a larger effort to present a united front while staying engaged with grassroots campaigning.
Even with the Congress exit, a sizable field remains in the fray: about two dozen independents have entered the race, with NCP officials actively working to persuade several to withdraw before the deadline. Sharad Pawar is understood to have advised backing the NCP candidate, reinforcing the push for a consolidated front against the BJP. The barometer in Baramati could influence how opposition parties approach future bypolls across Maharashtra, highlighting the challenges and potential gains of coalition-building in a crowded electoral landscape.
