Mumbai, April 9 – NCP(SP) legislator Rohit Pawar met Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshwardhan Sapkal on Thursday, urging him to withdraw the party's nominee, Akash More, to ensure a unopposed election for NCP candidate and state Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar in the April 23 Baramati by-election.
Rohit Pawar's plea is significant because Thursday is the last day to withdraw nominations at 3 p.m. for the Baramati by-election, in which 47 candidates have filed their nominations.
After meeting Harshwardhan Sapkal, Pawar told reporters, "I requested the state Congress chief to withdraw the party's nominee, which would pave the way for Sunetra Pawar's unopposed election in the Baramati by-election. This is necessary because the by-election is taking place after the untimely death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and the unopposed election would be a tribute to him. It is now up to the Congress party to make a decision. I am quite hopeful about the Congress party's move. It is a national party, and it will take a decision after due process."
Rohit Pawar said that the Congress party has taken the position that the state government should register an FIR regarding the plane crash in which former Dy CM Ajit Pawar died on January 28. He further added that he has been pressing for this for a long time, and ultimately, the FIR was filed in Karnataka with the help of the Congress government there. During the meeting, Rohit Pawar facilitated a video call with Congress in-charge Ramesh Chennithala to discuss the sensitivity of the situation. "Following the loss of a prominent figure like Ajit Dada, it is essential to view this election through an emotional lens as a true tribute to him," Rohit Pawar stated.
"As a family member and a party worker, I have appealed to Congress to withdraw their nomination," he added. Rohit Pawar reiterated that Harshvardhan Sapkal said that their decision to contest stems from dissatisfaction with the current administration's handling of investigations related to the late leader.
"Congress leaders expressed concerns that if a leader of Ajit Pawar's calibre does not receive swift justice or a proper investigation (FIR) into related matters, the common man cannot expect fairness from the current government and administration," he added.
Earlier, Sunetra Pawar had personally reached out to Harshvardhan Sapkal twice to request an unopposed path; the Maharashtra Congress leadership has deferred the final decision to the "High Command" in Delhi. "The decision to contest Baramati was taken at the national level. Therefore, any move to withdraw must be discussed with the High Command and follow their counsel," a Congress source indicated.
Addressing recent friction within the political circles after NCP MP Parth Pawar made a statement about the downfall of the Congress party, Rohit Pawar expressed regret over it. "Parth's statement was wrong, and I express my apologies for it. At this moment, there is a need for everyone to come together," Rohit Pawar added, emphasising unity within the family and the political ranks during this period of mourning.
