India, March 16 -- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said all efforts would be made to ensure the bypolls to Baramati and Rahuri Assembly seats are held unopposed through consensus, but asserted the BJP was ready if it comes down to a contest.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar announced during the day that bypolls to Baramati in Pune and Rahuri in Ahilyanagar, necessitated by the deaths of then deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and BJP legislator Shivaji Kardile, respectively, will be held on April 23.

Addressing a press conference for the announcement of the poll schedule, Kumar said votes will be counted on May 4. Speaking to reporters before the announcement by the Election Commission of India, Fadna...