Daijiworld Media Network - Baramati

Baramati, Apr 21: Veteran leader Sharad Pawar on Tuesday announced that he will not be able to vote in the upcoming Baramati Assembly by-election on April 23 due to health issues, marking the first time in nearly six decades that he will miss casting his ballot in his political stronghold.

The bypoll was necessitated following the untimely demise of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar earlier this year.

Currently hospitalised in Mumbai, Pawar was unable to attend the final campaign rally in Baramati. His message was instead conveyed to the public by Praful Patel, working president of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction).

In a message shared from the hospital, Pawar expressed regret over his inability to travel, stating that doctors have advised strict rest and treatment. He noted that he had explored alternative voting options, including postal and digital methods, but was informed that such provisions were not applicable in his case under current election rules.

Despite his absence, Pawar reaffirmed his party’s support for Sunetra Ajit Pawar in the by-election, describing the endorsement as a tribute to the late Ajit Pawar. He appealed to voters in Baramati to back her decisively as a mark of respect.

Having represented Baramati’s political landscape for over five decades, Pawar expressed confidence that voters would understand his situation and respond to his call.

Political analysts believe his backing could turn the bypoll into a symbolic moment for the Pawar family’s legacy, potentially resulting in a strong electoral outcome for Sunetra Pawar.