MVA Faces Rajya Sabha Rift in Maharashtra
Uddhav Sena Stakes Claim as Sharad Pawar Signals Comeback Bid
- MVA can win only one Rajya Sabha seat in Maharashtra
- Uddhav Sena demands seat; backs Priyanka Chaturvedi
- Sharad Pawar hints at contest after Ajit Pawar’s demise
- Election Commission notifies polls for 37 seats across 10 states
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 26th Feb: The lone Rajya Sabha seat that Maharashtra’s Opposition bloc can realistically secure has emerged as a fresh flashpoint within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), threatening to strain already fragile ties among its constituents.
The faction led by Uddhav Thackeray has strongly indicated that the seat should go to it. Leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT) have pointed out that in 2020 the party had ceded one Rajya Sabha seat to the NCP and argued that it is now their turn.
Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi has been projected as the party’s preferred candidate, with Aditya Thackeray stating she has consistently raised issues concerning Maharashtra and deserves another term. The party is also hinting that Uddhav Thackeray himself could enter the Rajya Sabha as his Legislative Council term nears completion.
Complicating matters further, veteran NCP leader Sharad Pawar, who had earlier announced he would not contest Rajya Sabha elections again, has reportedly reconsidered after the recent death of his nephew and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Ajit Pawar’s demise on January 28 disrupted plans for a merger between the two NCP factions and altered political calculations within the alliance.
Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule, said senior party leaders would initiate discussions with Sena (UBT) and Congress leaders in Maharashtra, while she would consult national Congress leaders in Delhi.
The Congress, meanwhile, has maintained a cautious stance. State Congress president Harsh Vardhan Sapkal said all MVA constituents should collectively decide on the candidate, adding that senior leaders must deliberate before a final decision is taken.
In the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly, the BJP holds 131 seats, the Shiv Sena (Shinde) 57, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP 40. With 37 votes required to secure one Rajya Sabha seat, the MVA — comprising 20 MLAs from Sena (UBT), 16 from Congress and 10 from NCP (Sharad Pawar) — can ensure the victory of only one candidate.
The Election Commission of India on Wednesday issued the notification for elections to 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states. Nominations will close on March 9, voting will take place on March 16, and counting will be held the same evening.
In Maharashtra, seven seats are up for election, with six expected to go to the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The lone Opposition seat, however, now stands at the centre of a brewing contest within the MVA.
