Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar cast her vote in the Baramati assembly bypoll on Thursday and appealed to people to come out in large numbers, calling it a tribute to her late husband Ajit Pawar. The by-election was held after the death of Ajit Pawar, who died in an air crash on January 28. A total of 23 candidates are contesting, including Sunetra Pawar, who is seeking to retain the seat for the family.

Speaking to reporters, she said voters were turning out to fulfil their duty. "People of Baramati are coming in big numbers to cast their votes. I would not say it is out of enthusiasm, but they are stepping out to fulfil their duty. By doing so, they are paying tribute to Dada (as Ajit Pawar was fondly called)," she said.

She added that the bypoll is being held in an emotional atmosphere.

"For the past 60 years, the people of Baramati have supported the Pawar family. This bypoll is taking place in the absence of Ajit Dada, and while casting their votes, people are paying their respects to him," she said.

Sunetra Pawar said Ajit Pawar’s 89-year-old mother voted from home. Before voting, she paid tribute to her husband at the Vidya Prathishthan College premises, where his last rites were held.

Their son, Parth Pawar, also cast his vote at the Katewadi polling station. Another son, Jay Pawar, urged people to vote in large numbers as a mark of respect to the late leader.

Senior leader Sharad Pawar could not vote as he is unwell and admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai for a health check-up.

There is no major candidate from the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) against Sunetra Pawar. While the Congress had initially fielded a candidate, it later withdrew. After her husband’s death, Sunetra Pawar was made deputy chief minister on January 31. As per rules, she must get elected to either house of the state legislature within six months of taking oath.

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