Sympathy and Legacy: By-Elections in Maharashtra Heat Up

Baramati saw a voter turnout of 20.55%, and Rahuri recorded 18.22% until 11 am during Thursday's by-polls for two assembly constituencies in Maharashtra, as per election officials. The voting process commenced at 7 am and is set to conclude by 6 pm.

The Baramati seat, located in Pune district, opened for by-elections due to the demise of Ajit Pawar, then Deputy Chief Minister and NCP head, in an air crash on January 28. His widow, Deputy CM and NCP chief Sunetra Pawar, is one of 23 candidates contesting the seat. Meanwhile, the Rahuri seat was left vacant after BJP MLA Shivaji Kardile's death in October. Contestants include his son, Akshay Kardile, competing against NCP (SP) candidate Govind Mokate and VBA's Santosh Chalke.

Sunetra Pawar, buoyed by a sympathy wave, appealed for voter support in memory of her late husband, Ajit Pawar, who had long held the Baramati seat. The constituency houses 3.84 lakh registered voters. Elaborate polling arrangements have been ensured, including shelters and water coolers, to combat excessive heat and ensure voter convenience.