The Congress on Friday announced that its high command has given the green light to contest the by-elections in the Baramati and Rahuri Assembly constituencies.
Maharashtra Congress State President Harshvardhan Sapkal said that voting for the two constituencies will take place on April 23, 2026, while the counting of votes will be held on May 4.
Speaking to media persons, Sapkal said, “The party high command has approved contesting the by-elections in Baramati and Rahuri. Names of the candidates will be announced after discussions with our allies. An official decision will be taken after consultations with Sharad Pawar’s NCP and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena.”
The Baramati by-election has been necessitated by the accidental death of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, is expected to contest the seat and was initially hoping to be elected unopposed.
Politically, the bypoll is considered crucial for Sunetra Pawar, as a victory would secure her entry into the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Earlier, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP had indicated it might withdraw from the seat to facilitate an unopposed election.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also expressed a preference for an unopposed contest to enable her smooth entry into the Assembly.
In a related development, the BJP has announced the candidacy of Akshay Kardile for the Rahuri Assembly by-election. The seat fell vacant following the death of former MLA Shivajirao Kardile. The Congress is also preparing to field its candidate from Rahuri.
Following the announcement of the by-elections, political activity has intensified, and the process of filing nominations has begun.
Meanwhile, sources indicate that the Congress high command has not only approved contesting the bypolls but has also secured the support of new allies.
The Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, led by Prakash Ambedkar, and the Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, led by Mahadev Jankar, are expected to join hands with the Congress. This development could alter political equations in Baramati, where Dhangar and Dalit communities form a significant voter base.
Commenting on the bypoll, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP and chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut said, “As the Maha Vikas Aghadi, we will continue efforts to contest both by-elections. Sharad Pawar has the right to decide on the Baramati seat. We will hold discussions and arrive at a collective decision. His party may choose not to contest this election.”