09 April,2026 12:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar. File Pic
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday met Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal, urging the party to withdraw its candidate from the Baramati bypoll to enable the unopposed election of his aunt, NCP president Sunetra Pawar.
A day earlier, Sunetra Pawar had spoken to Sapkal, requesting him to ensure that the party's candidate withdraws his nomination against her in the April 23 bypoll, PTI reported, quoting sources.
The Congress had said it would withdraw from the contest only if an FIR was registered in connection with then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's death in a plane crash in January, which necessitated the Baramati by-election.
However, the run-up to the contest turned acrimonious after Sunetra Pawar's son Parth Pawar recently criticised the Congress for fielding a candidate and predicted the party's "downfall".
Rohit Pawar told PTI on Thursday that he had expressed regret over his cousin Parth Pawar's remarks.
"I am confident the Congress will take an appropriate and positive decision after consulting its leadership," he said, reported PTI.
A total of 53 candidates, including Sunetra Pawar and Congress's Akash More, have filed their nominations. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is April 9.
The NCP (SP) leader said the Congress has sent the right message that justice should be delivered in the plane crash case and that an FIR should be registered in Maharashtra.
"I hope Sunetra Pawar, who is in Delhi today, will meet Union minister Amit Shah and seek a CBI probe into the case," Rohit Pawar said, adding that he has repeatedly demanded a high-level investigation into the Baramati crash.
The Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) has announced that it will not field any candidate against Sunetra Pawar.
Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Tuesday described as unnecessary the controversy surrounding the Congress decision to field a candidate in the Baramati assembly by-election. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Sapkal said there was no need to politicise the issue or create friction over electoral choices.
He emphasised that every political party has the right to take independent decisions regarding participation in elections.
The by-election, scheduled for April 23, has drawn significant political attention. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is contesting the seat, which fell vacant after the death of her husband Ajit Pawar earlier this year.
The ruling alliance had appealed for an uncontested election as a mark of respect. While parties such as the NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, chose not to field candidates, the Congress announced Akash More as its nominee, triggering political reactions.
The Congress decision faced criticism from Parth Pawar, who remarked that the party was facing a decline in Maharashtra and would suffer consequences for contesting against his mother. His statement sparked reactions from multiple political leaders across parties.
Responding indirectly to such criticism, Sapkal reiterated that elections should be conducted with dignity and mutual respect. He stressed that democratic processes should not be overshadowed by unnecessary disputes or personal remarks.
Sapkal highlighted that differences of opinion among political leaders are a natural part of democracy. However, he said the focus should remain on ensuring a fair and smooth electoral process rather than engaging in avoidable controversies.
He added that the Congress would soon clarify its official stance in detail regarding the by-election, indicating that further communication from the party leadership is expected.
Apart from addressing the bypoll issue, Sapkal also praised voters from Kerala residing in Mumbai who are travelling back to their home state to cast their votes. He described their efforts as a commendable example of democratic responsibility.
According to him, such participation reflects the true spirit of elections as a celebration of democracy. He urged citizens to actively participate in the electoral process and contribute to higher voter turnout.
The Baramati by-election continues to remain politically significant, with developments around party strategies and alliances shaping the broader discourse in Maharashtra politics.
(With inputs from PTI)
