Mumbai: Congress has decided to contest both Baramati and Rahuri by-elections in Maharashtra. The party has got approval from its top leaders. However, Congress said it will choose final candidates only after talking with its alliance partners.
Shiv Sena (Thackeray group) leader Sanjay Raut said that all three parties of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) should take a joint decision. He said the party which is stronger in a seat should be given the chance to contest.
Raut said that in Rahuri, the Sharad Pawar group of NCP is strong, so they may get priority. About Baramati, he said that after Ajit Pawar’s death, his party may not contest the seat due to family reasons. But if any other party contests, the alliance should not oppose them.
He also warned that no decision should help the BJP in any way.
Meanwhile, Congress has started its work. It has already taken interviews of possible candidates for Baramati. For Rahuri, the final decision on the candidate will be announced soon. Congress said it will finalize names only after discussing with its partners.
Voting for both seats will take place on April 23, and counting will happen on May 4.
The Rahuri seat became empty after the death of BJP MLA Shivajirao Kardile. The Baramati seat became vacant after former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 28.
These elections are likely to make politics in the state more interesting, as all parties prepare for a tough fight.
