Congress Enters Baramati Bypoll Race, Names Akash More as Official Candidate
Pune, 5th April 2026: The Congress on Sunday entered the fray for the Baramati Assembly bypoll, naming Akash More as its candidate, a move that is set to turn the contest into a multi-cornered fight amid efforts by the NCP and its Mahayuti allies to push for an uncontested election.
More, a lawyer and son of former MLC Vijayrao More, was among the prominent aspirants shortlisted by the party after a round of internal consultations and interviews. He had previously contested from Baramati in the 2014 Assembly election on a Congress ticket, finishing fourth.
The by-election was announced following the death of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, who subsequently assumed office as deputy chief minister is set to contest from the constituency, which has long remained under the influence of the Pawar family.
With the Congress stepping in, the prospect of an unopposed election appears unlikely. Election officials said that 19 candidates have filed nominations for the Baramati bypoll so far. The deadline for filing nominations is April 6, with scrutiny to follow and withdrawals permitted until April 9. Polling is scheduled for April 23, while counting will take place on May 4.
