Pune: Six Withdraw Nominations in Baramati Bypoll, Candidates in Fray Drop to 47

Baramati, 8th April 2026: Six candidates on Wednesday withdrew their nominations from the Baramati Assembly bypoll, bringing down the total number of contestants in the fray from 53 to 47.

The bypoll, triggered by the demise of Ajit Pawar, has drawn statewide attention, especially after Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar filed her nomination.

Election officials said the candidates who withdrew their nominations include Vilas Holkar, Mauli Kamble, Rajjak alias Abdulrauf Jafar Mulani, Rahul Thorat, Amol Kokare and Ashok Khamgal. According to the official schedule announced by the election commission, April 9 (Thursday) is the last date for withdrawal of nominations.

With several candidates still in the race, the election is expected to be keenly contested. However, political observers said that if more candidates withdraw, the possibility of an uncontested election cannot be ruled out.

Efforts for an unopposed election were initiated by NCP and Mahayuti allies after Sunetra Pawar entered the fray. Leaders from the ruling Mahayuti reportedly reached out to opposition parties seeking support for the unopposed contest. Pawar is also said to have personally spoken to several leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray, requesting their support.

While there were initial indications that the bypoll could be uncontested, the Congress fielding Akash More has ensured a direct contest. The ruling alliance has urged the Congress to reconsider its decision, and further political developments are expected before the withdrawal deadline.

The Baramati bypoll is scheduled to be held on April 23 and the counting of votes is set for May 4.