Pune: Sunetra Pawar, who took oath as the deputy chief minister in Mumbai on Saturday, is widely expected to contest the Baramati assembly seat, which fell vacant following the tragic death of her husband, Ajit Pawar.Given the high emotional tide and the wave of sympathy currently sweeping the constituency, political observers believe that no major party will field a candidate against her. If she decides to contest as her late husband’s successor, there is a strong possibility she could be elected unopposed.
The legal clock for this transition is already ticking. Under Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, a by-election to fill a vacant legislative seat must be conducted within six months of the vacancy. Since Ajit Pawar passed away on Jan 28, the Election Commission must hold the by-poll for the Baramati constituency before July 28, 2026.For Sunetra Pawar, winning the Baramati seat is the most direct constitutional route to retaining her position in the state cabinet, as she must be a member of the state legislature within six months of her appointment as deputy CM.This political shift would also trigger a reshuffle at the national level. Sunetra Pawar is currently a Rajya Sabha member. To enter the state assembly, she will have to vacate her seat in the Upper House. Speculation within the NCP (AP) suggests that the Rajya Sabha seat could subsequently go to one of her two sons, ensuring the family maintains its presence in both the state and central legislatures.
