The political landscape in Maharashtra's Baramati assembly constituency has intensified following the Congress party's decision to nominate Akash More as its candidate for the upcoming by-election. This move transforms the contest into a multi-cornered battle, challenging earlier hopes by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and its Mahayuti allies for an uncontested election in the constituency, a traditional stronghold of the influential Pawar family. More's entry pits him against Sunetra Pawar, wife of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who is contesting on behalf of the NCP faction aligned with the ruling Mahayuti coalition.
Key points
- The Congress party has officially named Akash More as its candidate for the Baramati assembly by-election.
- This nomination creates a multi-cornered contest, contrary to calls from the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) and its Mahayuti allies for an unopposed election.
- More will challenge Sunetra Pawar, wife of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, in a constituency long associated with the Pawar political dynasty.
- NCP functionaries have voiced criticism, labeling Congress's decision as a potential breach of alliance norms within the broader Maha Vikas Aghadi.
- Akash More, a lawyer and son of a former MLC, has openly questioned the circumstances surrounding the death of a former Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar, which necessitated the bypoll, calling for a thorough investigation.
- The by-election campaign is expected to focus on local issues such as inflation, the LPG crisis, and property tax, according to More.
What we know so far
On Sunday, the Congress party formally announced Akash More as its contender for the Baramati by-election. More, a legal professional and the son of former Legislative Council member Vijayrao More, was selected after a series of internal party consultations. He possesses prior electoral experience in Baramati, having represented Congress in the 2014 assembly elections where he secured the fourth position with just over 4,000 votes.
The by-election for the Baramati assembly constituency was necessitated by a recent vacancy. Sunetra Pawar, wife of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is set to be a prominent candidate in the race. She currently holds the position of national president within the NCP faction led by her husband.
Akash More has publicly expressed concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, which he described as "suspicious," and has called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation. Despite reports suggesting an emotional wave of support for the Pawar family, More conveyed confidence in his electoral prospects, emphasizing that the political atmosphere in Baramati is distinct this time. He highlighted issues such as rising inflation, the impact of the West Asia conflict on LPG prices, and increasing property taxes as key factors that he believes will influence voters.
The Congress's decision comes amidst calls from leaders of the NCP faction allied with Mahayuti for an uncontested by-election. Jay Pawar, son of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, had previously remarked that the bypoll carried an emotional significance for the local populace and that there was a sentiment for it to remain unopposed, although he added that the party was prepared for a contest if necessary. Sunil Tatkare, the state president of the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), had also indicated that efforts might be made to engage with Congress leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, to explore the possibility of an unopposed election.
Election authorities have confirmed that at least 19 candidates have already submitted their nominations for the Baramati bypoll, including Abhijeet Bichukale, a former participant in the reality television show Bigg Boss. The final date for filing nominations for both the Baramati and Rahuri constituencies is April 6, with candidates having until April 9 to withdraw their nominations. Polling is scheduled for April 23, and the counting of votes will take place on May 4. Congress state president Harshwardhan Sapkal is expected to be present in Baramati on Monday for More's nomination filing.
NCP functionaries have criticized the Congress's move, viewing it as a disregard for established alliance protocols. They pointed out that Baramati has historically been considered a stronghold of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance. A functionary close to the Pawar family, Kiran Gujar, stated that it was unfair for Congress to announce a candidate when the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) had opted not to field one against Sunetra Pawar, expressing hopes for an unopposed election as a tribute. Meanwhile, the Congress is expected to extend its support to the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) candidate in the Rahuri bypoll, which was necessitated by the passing of MLA Shivajirao Kardile.
Context and background
The Baramati assembly constituency holds immense political significance in Maharashtra, primarily due to its long-standing association with the Pawar family. For decades, members of this prominent political dynasty have represented the constituency, making it a symbol of their influence and a crucial battleground in state politics. The current by-election is not just about a single seat; it reflects the broader political dynamics at play in Maharashtra, particularly the complex relationships within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition and the rivalry with the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
The MVA, comprising the Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), was formed to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies. The decision by Congress to field a candidate against Sunetra Pawar, who represents the NCP faction aligned with the Mahayuti, has sparked accusations of violating alliance norms. Traditionally, in such alliances, parties often avoid contesting against each other, especially in seats considered strongholds of an ally, to consolidate votes against a common opponent. The NCP functionaries' argument that Baramati is an "NCP (SP) seat" highlights this internal friction.
The call for an "uncontested election" is a practice sometimes observed in Indian politics, often as a gesture of respect or tribute following the death of a sitting legislator, especially if a family member seeks to succeed them. This tradition aims to create a consensus and avoid a potentially divisive electoral battle during a period of mourning. However, Congress's decision to contest indicates a strategic choice to not cede ground easily, even in a politically sensitive situation. This suggests a desire to test the waters, assert its presence, or potentially capitalize on any perceived anti-incumbency sentiment or local issues that might transcend traditional family loyalties.
The bypoll's outcome in Baramati could serve as an important indicator of public sentiment ahead of larger elections. It will be closely watched for how voters respond to the Pawar family's continued dominance, the efficacy of the MVA's internal coordination, and the impact of local economic issues on electoral choices. Akash More's focus on inflation, LPG prices, and property tax signals an attempt to shift the narrative from emotional appeals to tangible concerns affecting everyday citizens.
What happens next
The immediate focus will be on the final days leading up to April 6, the deadline for filing nominations, and subsequently, April 9, when candidates can withdraw their names. This period might see intense behind-the-scenes negotiations or further public statements from political parties regarding their strategies and alliances. Once the final list of candidates is confirmed, the campaigning efforts will intensify, with all contenders striving to connect with voters on various platforms.
Observers will be keenly watching for any further reactions or interventions from the top leadership of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, particularly how the Congress and the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) manage this apparent disagreement over Baramati. The by-election itself, scheduled for April 23, will be a crucial test of voter sentiment in the region, with the counting of votes on May 4 providing the definitive answer to who will represent Baramati in the assembly.
FAQ
- Why is the Baramati bypoll happening? The by-election for the Baramati assembly constituency was necessitated by a recent vacancy in the legislative seat.
- Who are the main candidates in the Baramati bypoll? The primary candidates are Akash More from the Congress party and Sunetra Pawar, wife of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, representing the NCP faction allied with the Mahayuti.
- What is the significance of Congress's entry into the Baramati bypoll? Congress's decision to field Akash More turns the election into a multi-cornered contest, challenging the NCP and Mahayuti's hopes for an uncontested election and potentially straining alliance norms within the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
- What is the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)? The Maha Vikas Aghadi is a political alliance in Maharashtra comprising the Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), and the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction).
- When are the key dates for the Baramati bypoll? The last date for nominations is April 6, withdrawals are until April 9, polling is on April 23, and vote counting is scheduled for May 4.
