The conversation, which took place on Friday, is being viewed as a significant political development in the run-up to the crucial election
Sunetra Pawar. Pic/X
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar has initiated outreach efforts ahead of the upcoming Baramati assembly bypoll, contacting Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to seek his party’s support. The conversation, which took place on Friday, is being viewed as a significant political development in the run-up to the crucial election, reported PTI.
The Baramati bypoll is scheduled to be held on April 23, with Sunetra Pawar set to contest as the official candidate of the Nationalist Congress Party.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders confirm discussion
The outreach was confirmed by senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and party secretary Milind Narvekar. According to Raut, the discussion between Pawar and Thackeray focused specifically on the bypoll and the possibility of electoral support, reported PTI.
He also indicated that Thackeray is expected to make a formal announcement regarding the party’s stance at a press conference in the coming days, keeping political observers on watch for a potential shift in alliances, reported PTI.
Sympathy factor and family ties may influence decision
Sources suggest that Thackeray may not be opposed to backing Sunetra Pawar, citing longstanding personal and political ties with the Pawar family. The bypoll has been necessitated following the death of Ajit Pawar, who represented Baramati and was a prominent political figure in the state, reported PTI.
Ajit Pawar’s passing in a plane crash earlier this year has created a sympathy factor that could play a role in shaping electoral dynamics. Sunetra Pawar, who assumed office as Deputy Chief Minister shortly after the incident, is now seeking to consolidate support across party lines.
Opposition alliance dynamics face new test
The development comes at a time when the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)—comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the NCP—is already navigating internal differences.
While the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) has indicated it will not field a candidate against Sunetra Pawar, the Congress has taken a divergent position. Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal recently announced that the party intends to contest the bypoll, stating that approval has been received from the central leadership.
This divergence has added complexity to the opposition’s strategy in the state, raising questions about coordination within the alliance.
Nomination filing and electoral history of Baramati
Sunetra Pawar is expected to file her nomination papers on April 6, formally entering the race. The Baramati constituency has long been a stronghold of the Pawar family, with Ajit Pawar winning the seat multiple times with significant margins.
In previous assembly elections, he secured victories by large vote differences, reinforcing the constituency’s importance in Maharashtra’s political landscape. The upcoming bypoll is likely to be closely watched, not only for its electoral outcome but also for the broader political signals it may send regarding alliances and leadership equations in the state.
(With inputs from PTI)
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