India, April 9 -- The Congress on Thursday withdrew its candidate from the Baramati Assembly bypoll in Pune district, where Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is contesting, stating that the move was aimed at maintaining political decorum in Maharashtra.

Party nominee Akash More withdrew his nomination shortly before the deadline, confirming that the decision was taken following instructions from the party leadership.

State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said the decision was influenced by the recent death of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Sunetra Pawar's husband, who died in a plane crash just over two months ago. He said the party chose to step back in keeping with the state's political culture and traditions.

"We ...