Congress Nominates Akash More for Baramati Bypoll, Igniting Political Contest
In a significant political development, the Congress party has officially entered the fray for the Baramati assembly bypoll by naming Akash More as its candidate. This decision is poised to transform the election into a multi-cornered battle, despite concerted efforts by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and its Mahayuti allies to advocate for an uncontested poll.
Candidate Profile and Political Background
Akash More, a practicing lawyer and the son of former MLC Vijayrao More, emerged as a prominent choice after a series of internal consultations and interviews within the Congress party. He brings prior electoral experience, having contested from Baramati in the 2014 assembly election on a Congress ticket, where he secured fourth place with 4,013 votes.
The bypoll was necessitated following the tragic death of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, who subsequently took oath as deputy chief minister and now serves as the national president of NCP, is set to contest from Baramati—a constituency historically dominated by the Pawar family.
More's Campaign Stance and Allegations
In an interview with TOI, Akash More expressed his intent to seek justice for Ajit Pawar, describing the plane crash as "suspicious" and alleging that a fair investigation has not been conducted. When questioned about reports of an emotional wave favoring Ajit Pawar's family, More remained confident about his prospects. He stated, "The atmosphere in Baramati is different this time. Issues like inflation, the LPG crisis due to the West Asia war, and rising property tax will influence voters."
NCP's Push for Uncontested Election and Alliance Tensions
Congress's move comes amid NCP leaders actively advocating for an uncontested election. On Saturday, Ajit Pawar's son, Jay Pawar, described the bypoll as "emotional" for the people and noted a demand to keep it unopposed, though he added that the party is prepared for a contest if necessary.
NCP state president Sunil Tatkare had also indicated that the party might reach out to Congress leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, to explore the possibility of an unopposed poll. However, Congress's decision has sparked criticism from NCP functionaries, who view it as a breach of alliance norms.
Kiran Gujar, an NCP functionary from Baramati close to the Pawar family, remarked, "It was unfair for Congress to announce a candidate when NCP (SP) chose not to contest. We hoped for an unopposed election as a tribute to Ajit dada, but we are ready for a fight."
Election Details and Broader Context
Election officials reported that as many as 19 candidates have filed nominations so far for the Baramati bypoll, including Abhijeet Bichukale, a former Bigg Boss contestant. The last date for filing nominations for both Baramati and Rahuri seats is April 6, with candidates able to withdraw their nominations until April 9. Polling is scheduled for April 23, and vote counting will take place on May 4.
More mentioned that Congress state president Harshwardhan Sapkal is likely to arrive in Baramati on Monday to file his nomination. In a related development, Congress is expected to support the NCP (SP) candidate in the Rahuri bypoll, which was necessitated by the death of MLA Shivajirao Kardile, highlighting the complex dynamics within the alliance.
