Baramati: A by-election will soon be held for the Baramati Assembly seat vacated after the sudden demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The Nationalist Congress Party has decided to nominate Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar as the candidate for this election, a decision made by the party's core committee. ([turn0news0], [turn0news6])
The Election Commission has issued the schedule for the revision of the voter list for the Baramati constituency, and registered voters can vote in the by-election until January 1, 2026. The official announcement of the election is likely to be made only after the draft voter list is published on March 10. ([turn0news8])
Planned Candidacy — Sunetra Pawar
In the core committee meeting of the Nationalist Congress Party, it was unanimously decided that Sunetra Pawar will represent the party in the Baramati by-election. The meeting also stated that the party is attempting to conduct an uncontested election. ([turn0search20], [turn0search26]) After the announcement of Sunetra Pawar contesting the election, there has been significant discussion in the political atmosphere. This decision is considered important for continuing the political tradition of their family from Baramati after Ajit Pawar's departure. Additionally, indications are that Sunetra Pawar will also be recognized as the first female Deputy Chief Minister in the history of Maharashtra. ([turn0search20])
Parth Pawar in Rajya Sabha?
It is understood that the core committee has decided to send Parth Pawar as a candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, along with the decision on Sunetra Pawar's candidacy. This shows the party's strategy to maintain Ajit Pawar's family's political presence at both the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Assembly levels. ([turn0search20])
Election and Political Impact
The result of the Baramati Assembly by-election is not just a matter of local popularity but could bring about changes in the political equations in Maharashtra in the future, according to political analysts. Sunetra Pawar's candidacy has increased the sense of unity within the party and the legacy of Ajit Pawar's work is being preserved. Meanwhile, the roles and strategies of opposition parties are also being given significant importance now, which will make the political impact of this election felt in a broader context. ([turn0news2])
Party Leadership Change and National President
Ajit Pawar played an important role in the NCP during his political career. After his demise, the process of changing the party leadership is also underway. The party has called a national executive meeting on February 26, 2026, where the official announcement of the new national president is expected. This leadership change can impact future aspects. The campaign for Sunetra Pawar as a candidate in Baramati and the party's strategy highlight the importance of this by-election. Following this, the decision to send Parth Pawar to the Rajya Sabha is also significant for the party, which clearly indicates that a new current session has started in Maharashtra politics.