The Congress has announced it will not contest the Baramati assembly bypoll, allowing Sunetra Pawar to win unopposed.
The decision comes after sustained pressure from across the political spectrum following the death of Ajit Pawar in a plane crash on January 28.
As many as 20 candidates had withdrawn their nominations for the Baramati bypoll, with a total of 55 candidates initially filing their papers.
Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said the party had initially gone ahead with its campaign but decided to withdraw following outreach from NCP leaders.
A delegation led by NCP minister Makarand Patil met Sapkal to urge the Congress to reverse its decision and ensure the Baramati bypoll is uncontested.
