Baramati gave a decisive verdict on Monday, handing Sunetra Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction) a sweeping win in the Assembly bypoll, with a margin crossing 2.18 lakh votes.
Beyond the sheer scale of the win, the result stands out for another reason. It has set a new national record for the biggest victory margin in a legislative election, underlining just how firmly the constituency rallied behind her.
According to official data at the end of the 24th round of counting, Sunetra Pawar won by a margin of 2,18,930 votes, overtaking the earlier record held by Sunil Kumar Sharma from Sahibabad in Uttar Pradesh, who had registered a margin of 2,14,835 votes in 2022.
Record margin, no contest in Baramati
The scale of the victory was such that none of the 22 other candidates managed to cross even the 1,000-vote mark. Among them, Karuna Munde secured 125 votes while Abhijit Bichukale received 121 votes, reflecting the one-sided nature of the contest.
The bypoll saw a complete consolidation of votes behind Sunetra Pawar, aided by appeals from her sons Jay Pawar and Parth Pawar, along with backing from multiple political groups and organisations.
‘We are emotional today’: Family strikes a sombre note
Despite the scale of the win, the mood within the Pawar camp remained restrained.
“I thank the people for electing us with a record margin. We never imagined we would have to face this election under such circumstances. None of us feel today is a day for celebration,” said NCP MP Parth Pawar.
He added that he would continue engaging with constituents and plans to hold public grievance meetings once the Model Code of Conduct is lifted.
Win dedicated to Ajit Pawar, call for restraint
Speaking in Mumbai after the result, Sunetra Pawar described the victory as a tribute to her late husband Ajit Pawar.
“The trust shown by the people of Baramati through their votes is dedicated to the sacred memory of respected Ajit Dada. We are all emotional today. I request all workers not to take out processions or celebrate excessively,” she said.
Urging party workers to maintain decorum, she added, “No one should take out processions or throw gulal. Let us maintain restraint and behave in a manner befitting Dada’s ideals.”
Thanking voters, she said the mandate was a responsibility to fulfil a larger vision.
“I sincerely thank all the people of Baramati for giving me the opportunity to shape the Baramati of Dada’s dreams. This is not the end; this is just the beginning. Of determination, of struggle, and of a new Baramati,” she said.