Maharashtra Council Polls See 14 Nominations Filed
Fourteen nominations have been submitted for the upcoming elections for 10 seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, with recent political developments suggesting a likely unopposed contest. According to officials, four independent candidates who filed nominations do not meet the mandatory eligibility criteria and are expected to be disqualified during the scrutiny process.
The biennial elections are scheduled for May 12, with May 4 set as the last date for withdrawal of nominations. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated six candidates, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has put forward one candidate for the seat it is anticipated to win.
The MVA has nominated Ambadas Danve of the Shiv Sena (UBT), a former Leader of the Opposition in the Council. Despite initial differences, the Congress party has decided to support Danve following internal discussions. State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal confirmed that the party agreed to back Danve with the understanding that he would have priority in future elections.
On the ruling side, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was present when BJP candidates filed their nominations. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction has re-nominated Neelam Gorhe and inducted Bacchu Kadu, who recently rejoined the party.
Kadu, a prominent leader from Amravati, cited assurances from Shinde regarding issues affecting farmers, laborers, and differently-abled citizens as his reason for returning. Another significant development involved the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, which has fielded Zeeshan Siddique.
The elections take place amid political adjustments within alliances, including discussions between Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and members of the ruling party to avoid fielding an excess of candidates, potentially ensuring an uncontested outcome.
With the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly forming the electoral college, each candidate requires 28 votes to secure a win. The ruling Mahayuti alliance holds a clear majority, making the results largely predictable unless unexpected withdrawals or disqualifications occur.
