Pune, Maharashtra, India
As the Baramati by-election gathers intensity, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has made a strong political appeal to the Congress party, urging it to withdraw from the contest and extend support to Sunetra Pawar.
Speaking in Pune, Bawankule suggested that a consensus approach should be adopted in Baramati, calling on Congress to refrain from fielding a candidate. “My request to the Congress party is that they should not field a candidate and instead support Sunetra Pawar, ensuring she is elected unopposed,” he said.
He further cited past instances in Maharashtra where political parties have stepped back in favor of consensus candidates, indicating that such a move would not be unprecedented. His remarks reflect an attempt to build a broader political alignment in the constituency.
Invoking the legacy of senior leader Ajit Pawar, Bawankule emphasized long-standing associations between Ajit Pawar and Congress leaders. “Ajit Dada had strong associations with Congress leaders—around 80 percent of his life was spent working alongside them,” he noted, highlighting historical political ties.
According to Bawankule, supporting Sunetra Pawar would be a way for Congress to respect those relationships and uphold what he described as shared political values and culture. “To honor his values, legacy, and culture, Congress should uphold that spirit and withdraw,” he added.
At the same time, the minister issued a stern political warning, stating that if Congress chooses to remain in the fray, it could face a significant electoral setback. “If Congress does not withdraw, then it will face a defeat unlike any in its history—the biggest setback will be seen in Baramati,” he asserted.
The remarks come amid a flurry of political activity in Baramati, a constituency that has drawn heightened attention due to its legacy and the involvement of prominent leaders across parties. Campaign narratives are rapidly evolving, with leaders framing the contest in terms of alliances, legacy, and voter sentiment.
Bawankule’s statement adds a new dimension to the Baramati battle, signaling efforts to reshape the electoral contest while also raising the stakes with strong political messaging.
