The Congress party has decided to field Akash Vishwanath More against NCP candidate Sunetra Pawar in the upcoming Baramati Assembly bypoll on April 23. This move reflects a mix of ideological positioning and concerns over communication within the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.
While some in the Congress view this contest as symbolic, they argue that it is essential to uphold their stance against the NCP-BJP alliance. The decision to contest comes after the NCP(SP) and Shiv Sena(UBT) opted out, with the Congress aiming to prevent the ruling alliance from taking the seat uncontested.
Following the tragic passing of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar earlier this year, various parties proposed an unopposed election out of respect. However, the Congress has chosen to break ranks with its allies by nominating Akash More, signaling its strategic plans for the upcoming 2029 Assembly elections in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal emphasized the importance of mutual consultation within the alliance, expressing discontent over being excluded from discussions regarding the Baramati seat. The Congress leadership felt compelled to contest to represent the opposition’s voice in the absence of an NCP(SP) candidate, opposing the Mahayuti’s push for an unopposed win.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other Mahayuti leaders advocated for Sunetra Pawar’s unopposed victory. In contrast, Congress leaders, including state unit chief Sapkal, argued that voters should have a choice in a democracy, especially given the split within the original NCP. The decision to contest the bypoll has exposed a significant divide within the MVA alliance, with the NCP and Mahayuti viewing it as a challenge to their established political culture.
