Move meant to maintain decorum: Cong after withdrawing Baramati bypoll candidate

The Congress on Thursday officially withdrew its candidate from the Baramati bypoll stating that the move was aimed at preserving Maharashtrarsquos longstanding political culture and maintaining decorum in the wake of a recent tragedy reported news agency PTIThe partyrsquos candidate Akash More pulled out of the race just ahead of the nomination withdrawal deadline in Pune district Confirming the development Akash More said he acted in accordance with instructions from the party leadership bringing an end to Congressrsquo participation in the closely watched byelectionDecision rooted in political culture and respectAnnouncing the decision Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said the withdrawal was prompted by the tragic demise of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar who passed away in a plane crash a little over two months ago reported PTISapkal emphasized that the Congress chose to step back to uphold the statersquos tradition of political sensitivity and mutual respect during times of loss He noted that while Ajit Pawar began his political journey with the Congress he later aligned with other parties reported PTIThe Baramati bypoll has drawn significant attention as Sunetra Pawar Ajit Pawarrsquos widow and current Deputy Chief Minister is contesting the seatElection to proceed despite Congress exitDespite Congress withdrawing from the contest the byelection will proceed as scheduled on April 23 with vote counting set for May 4 According to party leaders more than 30 candidates remain in the fray ruling out the possibility of an uncontested electionSapkal clarified that while Congress has withdrawn its candidate it is not extending support to any other contender in the election The move he reiterated is purely symbolic and rooted in maintaining decorum rather than political alignmentAppeals and political outreach influenced decisionThe decision followed sustained outreach from several political leaders Sapkal revealed that Sunetra Pawar had personally contacted him multiple times and had also met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi to request the partyrsquos withdrawal from the contestHe also dismissed speculation that the move was influenced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stating that the decision was taken independently by the Congress leadership reported PTIFocus shifts to future electoral battlesLooking ahead Sapkal asserted that Congress is preparing for a stronger political contest in the future He stated with confidence that the party will field a candidate in Baramati in the 2029 assembly elections and aims to secure victory reported PTIThe Congress leader also drew attention to the Rahuri assembly bypoll in Ahilyanagar district which was necessitated by the death of BJP legislator Shivajirao Kardile He argued that the same standards of political decorum should apply there as well reported PTIIn Rahuri the BJP has fielded Akshay Kardile son of the late MLA while the opposition has nominated Govind Mokate as its candidateA rare moment of restraint in competitive politicsThe Congressrsquo decision to withdraw from the Baramati bypoll reflects an unusual moment of restraint in an otherwise competitive political environment While electoral battles often dominate the political narrative the move signals an attempt to balance political strategy with sensitivity and respect during a period of mourningAs the bypoll approaches all eyes will remain on Baramati not only for its electoral outcome but also for the broader message it sends about political conduct in MaharashtraWith inputs from PTI