BJP, Cong indulge in bypoll fued; Ajit Pawar rues hasty talks

PUNE:

Following the demise of Pune Member of Parliament (MP) Girish Bapat, various political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have fuelled the possibility of a bypoll election.

However, senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar has quashed the talk and called it insensitive to be talking about politics just days after Bapat’s demise.

Pawar stated, “Bapat was a well-respected leader and died only three days ago. It is inconsiderate to start any debate about a bypoll. Political parties should be more empathetic and apart from politics, there’s a human angle to be considered. Maharashtra has always had a distinct culture, which we should preserve. Citizens will be enraged if Maha Vikas Agadhi (MVA) starts discussing bye-elections any time soon.”

Meanwhile, BJP state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule hoped that the opposition parties would allow an uncontested election, considering the demise of a sitting MP.

“Following the death of MP Bapat, there is a possibility of a by-election for the Pune Lok Sabha seat. We would be prepared to give a candidate; however, we hope the MVA will not file for nomination and allow an uncontested election.”

However, senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar made clear that the party intends to contest the byelection and will not offer the seat to BJP.

Talking to the media on Friday Wadettiwar said, “The MVA intends to run in the Pune Lok Sabha byelection. Whenever incidents like these have occurred, the BJP has always provided a candidate.”

Meanwhile, BJP leader Ujwal Keskar has asked the Pune district collector to submit MP Bapat’s death report to the election commission, which will allow for a byelection to be held sooner.

Elections in Karnataka and other states are expected soon. There is a chance that if a byelection takes place, it may be held concurrently with those elections.