04 May,2026 04:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar. File Pic
Sunetra Pawar is poised for a decisive victory in the Baramati assembly bypoll, securing over one lakh votes by the end of the 13th round of counting, according to Election Commission data, the PTI reported.
Her son, Jay Pawar, on Monday thanked voters for their support while urging party workers to refrain from celebrations once the final results are declared.
Sunetra Pawar has taken a commanding lead over her 22 opponents, none of whom managed to cross the 500-vote mark. Contesting her first assembly election, she is set for a landslide win, attributed to a sympathy wave and her family's longstanding influence in the constituency.
No major political party fielded candidates against her.
The bypoll, conducted on April 23, was necessitated following the death of former Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near the Baramati airstrip in Pune district on January 28.
"None of us wanted such an election. There has also been an unfortunate incident in neighbouring Bhor tehsil. We do not wish to celebrate this victory," Jay Pawar told PTI.
Echoing similar sentiments, Sunetra Pawar appealed to party workers and supporters not to take out victory processions or celebrate with gulal. She dedicated the mandate to the memory of her late husband and urged supporters to uphold values associated with him.
Responding to questions about his role in the campaign, Jay Pawar said the victory was a collective effort.
"I was not alone in this. Every well-wisher supported us during the campaign and voting. This success belongs to all," he said, the news agency reported.
He added that he would be available every Thursday to address public grievances in the constituency.
Commenting on the unopposed appointment of Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol as president of the Maharashtra Olympic Association (MOA), a post earlier held by Ajit Pawar, Jay Pawar said the party had hoped to retain the position.
"I received several calls from the sports fraternity regarding this yesterday, but the bypoll results were our priority. The matter can be discussed with the Chief Minister if possible," he added, PTI reported.
(With PTI inputs)
