NCP Declares No Contest Against Sunetra Pawar in Baramati Bypoll

In a significant political development, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has announced that it will not field a candidate against Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar in the upcoming Baramati Assembly bypoll. This decision was confirmed by NCP working president Supriya Sule on March 16, 2026, just a day after the Election Commission of India declared that the bypolls for Baramati and Rahuri will take place on April 23, 2026.

The bypolls were necessitated by the tragic deaths of then-Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Shivaji Kardile. Ajit Pawar, a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, died in a plane crash near Baramati on January 28, 2026. Following this incident, Sunetra Pawar was appointed as Deputy Chief Minister and president of the NCP, marking a significant transition in the party's leadership.

“There is no question of fielding a candidate against Sunetra Vahini (sister-in-law),” Sule stated, emphasizing that the NCP will not contest the Baramati seat. She further indicated that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners, which include the Congress party, will likely adopt a similar stance. The Congress party has expressed its support for Sunetra Pawar, reinforcing the sentiment of unity in the face of recent tragedies.

In the 2024 general elections, Supriya Sule, the daughter of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, retained the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency by defeating Sunetra Pawar, who was contesting for the first time. This familial rivalry adds a layer of complexity to the current political landscape, as Sunetra Pawar now prepares for her first electoral challenge following Ajit Pawar's death.

Ajit Pawar had an impressive record, winning the Baramati seat eight times in a row. His legacy looms large over the constituency, and the NCP's decision to support Sunetra Pawar reflects a desire to maintain continuity and stability within the party during a tumultuous time.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed hope that the bypolls to Baramati and Rahuri would be held unopposed, stating, “We are making efforts to ensure that a unanimous decision is reached on this count. However, if this election is forced upon us, we are prepared to fight it with full strength.” His remarks indicate a willingness to engage in a contest if necessary, despite the prevailing sentiment of consensus.

Interestingly, OBC leader Laxman Hake has indicated his intention to contest the Baramati bypoll, challenging the notion of an unopposed election. Hake criticized both the ruling and opposition parties, arguing that unopposed elections do not serve democracy. He questioned why the Baramati bypoll should be viewed through the lens of “compassionate grounds” following Ajit Pawar's demise, suggesting that political motivations should not overshadow the democratic process.

“If the swearing-in (of Sunetra Pawar) takes place just three days after Ajitdada’s death, then why should we be the only ones expressing grief over his death?” Hake asked, further asserting that the NCP's political maneuvering should not escape scrutiny. His comments reflect a growing frustration among some political figures regarding the handling of the bypoll situation.

Moreover, the MVA alliance has a tradition of not fielding candidates against family members of deceased leaders in bypolls. This practice was observed in previous elections, such as when the opposition refrained from contesting after the deaths of prominent leaders like Gopinath Munde and Patangrao Kadam.

With the Baramati seat now vacant, Sunetra Pawar faces pressure to secure her position as an elected representative. As she is currently neither an MLA nor an MLC, she must be elected within six months of her appointment as Deputy Chief Minister to continue in her role. The urgency of this situation adds to the stakes of the upcoming bypoll.

The Rahuri Assembly seat is also up for grabs following the death of BJP MLA Shivaji Kardile in October 2025. The BJP is expected to field a family member from this constituency, further complicating the electoral landscape in Maharashtra.

As the political climate evolves, Supriya Sule has called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ajit Pawar's plane crash. “We have been seeking a transparent probe into it,” she stated, underlining the need for accountability amid the ongoing grief and political maneuvering.

In light of the geopolitical volatility affecting the LPG situation, Sule urged the central government to convene an all-party meeting to address the crisis. “The businesses, including the hotel industry, have been facing difficulties due to geopolitical volatility,” she remarked, calling for a comprehensive action plan to tackle the situation.

As the April 23 bypoll approaches, all eyes will be on Baramati and the decisions made by key political players. The dynamics of familial ties, political traditions, and emerging challenges will shape the electoral battle, making it a pivotal moment for the NCP and the broader political landscape in Maharashtra.

With the stakes high and the past looming large, the Baramati bypoll promises to be a significant event in Maharashtra's political calendar. As candidates prepare to enter the fray, the electorate will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold.