The Election Commission of India has scheduled by-elections for the Baramati and Rahuri Assembly constituencies in Maharashtra on April 23 (Thursday), while the counting of votes will take place on May 4 (Monday). These polls are part of a broader by-election exercise being conducted across several states. Along with Maharashtra, Assembly bypolls will also be held in Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura. Additionally, parliamentary and assembly seats in states such as West Bengal, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh will go to polls, making this a significant electoral exercise happening simultaneously across multiple regions.
Baramati bypoll triggered after Ajit Pawar’s death
The Baramati Assembly seat fell vacant following the death of senior Nationalist Congress Party leader Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash on January 28 after representing the constituency eight times. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, who assumed the role of Deputy Chief Minister after his demise, has been declared the party’s candidate for the by-election. As per constitutional requirements, she must win a seat in the legislature within six months to continue holding ministerial office. Political observers believe the contest may turn out to be straightforward for her due to current political alignments in the state.
Opposition stance raises possibility of an uncontested victory
The opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi has reportedly allotted the Baramati seat to the faction led by Sharad Pawar, which has fuelled speculation that the group may choose not to field a candidate against Sunetra Pawar. If that happens, she could secure the seat unopposed. Meanwhile, Sunetra Pawar is expected to vacate her position in the Rajya Sabha, potentially paving the way for her son Parth Pawar to enter the Upper House. The development is seen as part of a broader generational transition within the Pawar political family.
Rahuri bypoll likely to witness a tough contest
The Rahuri Assembly seat in Ahilyanagar district became vacant after the death of Shivaji Kardile, a legislator from the Bharatiya Janata Party, who passed away due to a heart attack in October last year. Unlike Baramati, this constituency is expected to witness a competitive electoral battle. Opposition parties are likely to field candidates against the BJP nominee, which could turn the by-election into a closely watched political contest. Authorities have already finalised the voter lists for both constituencies following a special revision process.
CM Devendra Fadnavis says alliance ready for polls
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that an uncontested outcome in both Baramati and Rahuri would be ideal, though the ruling alliance remains fully prepared for a contest if opposition parties decide to participate. He stated that the Mahayuti alliance is organised and ready to campaign vigorously if required. These by-elections, taking place alongside several other polls across the country, reflect the complex political dynamics in Maharashtra, where leadership transitions, alliance strategies and regional influence continue to shape the state’s electoral landscape.