NCP vs Congress in Baramati bypoll: NCP appeals for ‘unopposed election.’ Will Congress step aside?

The upcoming Baramati Assembly bypoll in Maharashtra has triggered a political tussle between allies-turned-rivals, with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) appealing for an “unopposed election” as a mark of respect, while the Congress shows no signs of backing down. The emotional pitch for consensus politics has collided with electoral realities, raising a key question: will Congress leave ground or intensify the contest?

The by-election in Baramati was necessitated following the untimely death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. Polling is scheduled for April 23, with counting set for May 4, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

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Earlier today, NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule urged opposition parties, particularly Congress, to allow an uncontested election as a tribute to Ajit Pawar’s legacy. In a public appeal, she said an unopposed victory would reflect “respect, unity, and dignity” in honour of his contribution to public service.

Following the untimely demise of Ajit Pawar, the Baramati Assembly constituency now faces a by-election.

Ajit Dada’s political journey began with the Congress party, and he maintained a long-standing, respectful association with it throughout his career.

In this moment of grief…

— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) April 9, 2026

Echoing the sentiment, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, who has filed her nomination from Baramati, also called for an unopposed election. She revealed efforts to reach out to Congress leadership, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, urging withdrawal of the party’s candidate.

Despite the emotional appeal, Congress has indicated it is keen to stay in the fray. The party has fielded Akash Vijayrao More, a state unit secretary, as its candidate against Sunetra Pawar. His candidature has been approved by Kharge.

Congress leaders have argued that while the party historically upheld the practice of withdrawing candidates in such circumstances, citing the example following Gopinath Munde’s demise, the precedent no longer holds universally.

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole acknowledged the tradition of uncontested elections following a leader’s demise but criticised the BJP for “breaking” that precedent in the past. He also hinted at internal ambiguity over the decision-making process.

The NCP’s appeal for unanimity contrasts with Congress’s insistence on electoral participation, highlighting evolving dynamics within opposition ranks.