Some Candidates Were Deliberately Fielded to Prevent Unopposed Poll in Baramati, Says Parth Pawar

Baramati, 20th April 2026: NCP leader Parth Pawar on Sunday claimed that certain candidates were deliberately fielded in the Baramati Assembly bypoll to ensure the election did not go unopposed.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Pawar said there were differing views within the party over whether the election should be uncontested, and several local leaders wanted candidates to withdraw nominations.

“This election was not supposed to go unopposed. Everyone should have contested in their own way. It was an opportunity to show who stands with Dada and who does not,” Parth Pawar said.

He alleged that some party leaders contacted candidates and persuaded them to withdraw after listening to those who wanted an uncontested election.

“Even then, the election did not become fully unopposed. Some people had several demands, and some candidates were deliberately fielded. You will soon know who these people are,” he added.

The Baramati Assembly seat fell vacant following the death of senior leader and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, prompting the bypoll. Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is contesting the seat as the Nationalist Congress Party candidate.

Parth Pawar said campaigning by the party had largely concluded and the final public meeting would be held on Monday.

When asked about the leaders expected to attend the closing rally, he said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Industries Minister Uday Samant, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, MP Supriya Sule and other senior leaders would be present.

Parth Pawar expressed confidence of a decisive victory for the party, but said voter turnout would be a challenge due to the intense summer heat.

“We will win the election with a huge margin. But the major challenge is to bring people out in this heat. We will try to ensure maximum voting and aim to break the previous record of 2.70 lakh votes,” he said.