The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the formal process for a by-election in the Baramati Assembly constituency following the death of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar. In the first major administrative step toward filling the legislative vacancy, officials have announced a special summary revision of the electoral rolls.
Ajit Pawar passed away on 28 January 2026 following a fatal aircraft crash. His death created a significant political void in Baramati, a constituency he had represented with substantial majorities for several decades.
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The electoral roll revision is being conducted under Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. The primary objective is to ensure the voter list is accurate, transparent, and updated ahead of the by-election. According to the administration, citizens who turned 18 by 1 January 2026 will be eligible to exercise their franchise.
February 9: Publication of the integrated draft electoral roll.
February 9–25: Period for filing claims, new registrations, and objections regarding existing entries.
March 6: Final deadline for the scrutiny and disposal of all received objections.
March 10: Publication of the final electoral roll for the Baramati constituency.
The official date for polling will be announced only after the final list is published on 10 March.
The political landscape in Maharashtra has shifted rapidly following the accident. Shortly after Pawar’s death, his wife, Sunetra Pawar, was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister to maintain administrative stability. There is now growing speculation and local demand within the party for Sunetra Pawar to contest the upcoming by-election to retain the family's stronghold in Baramati.
The Pune District Collector, acting as the District Election Officer, is currently overseeing the preparations. Local authorities are expected to begin a series of meetings with political representatives to discuss the restructuring of polling stations and the logistics of the voter registration drive.