24 March,2026 02:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sunil Tatkare. Pic/X
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday indicated its intent to ensure that the upcoming by-election in Baramati is held unopposed, with senior leader Sunil Tatkare confirming that discussions will be initiated with Opposition parties, including the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), reported news agency PTI.
Tatkare stated that the party is keen to avoid a contest in the Baramati assembly bypoll, citing the emotional and political context following the death of senior leader Ajit Pawar. He emphasised that the NCP would reach out to key stakeholders to build consensus on the matter, reported PTI.
The bypoll in Baramati, located in Pune district, along with another by-election in Rahuri in Ahilyanagar, is scheduled to be held on April 23.
Tatkare revealed that he, along with senior NCP leader Praful Patel, will hold discussions with Congress leaders in Delhi and also meet Uddhav Thackeray to explore the possibility of a consensus candidate, reported PTI.
"If required, we will engage with senior Congress leadership to ensure the bypoll is held unopposed," Tatkare said, underlining the party's commitment to maintaining unity in light of recent developments, reported PTI.
He further informed that the party's candidate is expected to file nomination papers for the Baramati seat on April 6. The by-election has been necessitated following the demise of Ajit Pawar, a prominent NCP leader, whose passing earlier this year has significantly impacted the political landscape in the region, reported PTI.
Tatkare thanked Supriya Sule for announcing that her faction would not field a candidate in the bypoll, signalling support for an unopposed election. However, he noted that the Congress has indicated it may still contest the seat, reported PTI.
The Congress has so far dismissed calls for an uncontested election. State unit chief Harshwardhan Sapkal reiterated that elections are a democratic process and should be contested, reported PTI.
He also pointed out that there is no consensus within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) regarding the proposal to hold the bypoll unopposed.
The Baramati constituency holds significant political importance in Maharashtra, traditionally associated with the Pawar family. The upcoming bypoll is being closely watched as it could influence political equations within the state, particularly among alliance partners.
As discussions unfold, it remains to be seen whether opposition parties will align with the NCP's proposal or opt for a competitive electoral contest in one of Maharashtra's most high-profile constituencies.
(With inputs from PTI)
