Mumbai

Maharashtra’s long-standing political convention of facilitating unopposed bypoll victories for family members of deceased legislators is steadily losing relevance, as parties increasingly prioritise electoral gains over sentiment and legacy.

An analysis of bypoll trends over the past decade shows that more than three-fourths of vacancies caused by the death of sitting members have led to contests, reflecting intense competition in the state’s fragmented political landscape.

Traditionally, parties in Maharashtra refrained from fielding candidates against relatives of deceased legislators as a mark of respect. However, that norm now appears to be the exception rather than the rule.

The upcoming Baramati Assembly bypoll, necessitated by the death of then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is seen as a rare revival of the old convention.

The contest appeared likely but did not fully materialise after the Indian National Congress withdrew its candidate. Pawar’s wife and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar remains the main contender, though some Independents are still in the fray for the April 23 bypoll.

In contrast, several recent bypolls have witnessed fierce battles.

The Kasba Peth bypoll in 2023, held after the death of BJP MLA Girish Bapat, became a high-profile contest and was won by Ravindra Dhangekar of Congress.

Similarly, the Chinchwad bypoll saw a multi-cornered contest despite the BJP nominating Ashwini Jagtap, widow of late MLA Laxman Jagtap.

The Andheri East bypoll in 2022 briefly restored the tradition when the BJP withdrew its candidate, effectively giving a walkover to Rutuja Latke, wife of late MLA Ramesh Latke.

Observers say the shift is driven by the high value of every legislative seat in an era of coalition politics, where even a single constituency can affect government stability.

Since 2014, more than 15 bypolls to the Assembly and Lok Sabha in Maharashtra have arisen due to deaths of sitting members, but only a handful ended unopposed.

Examples of constituencies where contests took place despite convention include Kolhapur North, Pandharpur, Bandra East, Bhokar and Deglur.

Senior journalist Prakash Akolkar said the practice of fielding relatives of deceased legislators often serves political interests more than legacy.

BJP leader Keshav Upadhye said calls for unopposed bypolls usually stem from public sentiment attached to popular leaders.

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Analysts added that in a democracy, unopposed elections should remain rare exceptions rather than a norm.