Mumbai: Baramati by-election is coming soon, and many leaders are trying to make sure it happens without a contest.
Leaders from the ruling alliance have contacted Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal and requested him to withdraw their candidate. Senior leader Praful Patel has also made a similar appeal. However, the Congress party has already filed its nomination for the seat.
Several leaders are working to avoid a direct fight. Rohit Pawar met Sapkal to discuss the issue. Parth Pawar has also said sorry for his earlier statement. Supriya Sule has requested Congress to support the idea of an unopposed election.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spoke to the media during his visit to Beed. He said that holding by-elections without a contest is a tradition in Maharashtra. He also confirmed that he spoke to Sapkal on the phone and felt the response was positive, but the final decision is not known yet.
Fadnavis added that in the past, after the death of leader R.R. Patil, his party did not field a candidate after a request was made. He said they have now made a similar request and are waiting for the final decision.
He also became emotional while talking about a photo with late leader Gopinath Munde. He said it was taken during their last event together and added that Munde had a big influence on his political journey.
