The NCP SP chief and former Union minister, Sharad Pawar, announced his inability to vote in the upcoming Baramati Assembly by-election on April 23 due to health complications. This will be the first time since 1967 that he will miss casting his vote in his home bastion. The by-election was necessitated by the unfortunate passing of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar earlier this year.
Pawar, who could not attend the poll campaign rally in Baramati, conveyed his message through NCP working president Praful Patel. Despite his hospitalization in Mumbai, Pawar expressed regret over his absence and emphasized his consistent voting tradition since 1967. Due to health issues, he was advised against travel by doctors, preventing him from participating in the election.
Exploring alternative voting methods like postal ballots and digital options, Pawar was informed that these facilities were unavailable to him. Notably, he declared NCP’s support for Sunetra Ajit Pawar in the by-election, considering it a tribute to the late Ajit Pawar. Pawar urged the voters of Baramati to support Sunetra Pawar as a mark of respect for the departed leader, expressing confidence in their understanding and solidarity.
Political analysts view Pawar’s endorsement as a symbolic consolidation of the Pawar family’s political legacy, potentially leading to a significant victory for Sunetra Pawar in honor of her late husband.
