Baramati Bypoll: Sunetra Pawar Files Nomination, Pledges Development Continuity

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP national president Sunetra Pawar on Monday filed her nomination for the Baramati Assembly by-election, vowing to carry forward the vision and unfinished work of her late husband and veteran leader Ajit Pawar. The seat became vacant following Ajit Pawar’s tragic death in a plane crash earlier this year.

Accompanied by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, her sons Parth and Jay, and senior NCP leaders including Praful Patel, Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare, and Dilip Walse Patil, Sunetra Pawar described the contest as a “mission to fulfil Ajit Dada’s unfinished dreams.” She framed the election not as a political battle but as a continuation of her husband’s developmental agenda for Baramati and Maharashtra.

Addressing supporters, Sunetra Pawar expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by the MahaYuti alliance and the people of Baramati. “It is with a heavy heart that I stand here today. This seat belongs to Ajit Dada, and this by-election is a result of a tragedy that has left a void in our lives. I see it as my duty to ensure that the vision Dada had for Baramati and Maharashtra does not falter,” she said. She also pledged to prioritise key initiatives like the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme and maintain the region’s development model with transparency and efficiency.

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Chief Minister Eknath Shinde highlighted the respect Ajit Pawar commanded in Baramati and stated that several organisations had already expressed support for Sunetra Pawar, hoping the election could be held unopposed. “Given the work Ajit Dada has done for Baramati, even if a contest takes place, his legacy will ensure a historic victory for Sunetra Tai,” Shinde said.

Senior NCP leaders echoed similar sentiments, urging opposition parties to reconsider contesting the bypoll. Chhagan Bhujbal and Sunil Tatkare emphasised that many political groups had voluntarily refrained from fielding candidates, and appealed to Congress to follow suit. Tatkare added that if an election were held, Sunetra Pawar should secure a larger mandate than any previous candidate, as a tribute to her late husband.

NCP Working President Praful Patel said he had personally contacted Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge seeking support for an unopposed election. With Sunetra Pawar officially filing her nomination, party leaders indicated that the campaign machinery would now focus on consolidating voter support while respecting the legacy of Ajit Pawar.

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