MNS names MLC polls candidate on seat represented by BJP

However, this recent announcement raises questions about whether the MNS will maintain its support for the ruling alliance or contest MLC polls independently.

MLC polls have been necessitated as the terms of sitting MLCs— Vilas Potnis of Sena (UBT) (Mumbai Graduate constituency), Niranjan Davkhare of BJP (Konkan division Graduate constituency), Kishore Darade of Sena–UBT (Nashik division Teacher constituency), and Kapil Patil, independent (Mumbai Teacher constituency)— are set to end on July 7.

While Sena UBT has already announced the candidature of party leaders Anil Parab and JM Abhyankar for the biennial election to Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC), the ruling Maha Yuti alliance is yet to announce its candidates for MLC polls.

Sources within the CM Eknath Shinde–led Sena indicate that the party is eyeing not only the two Mumbai seats but also Konkan graduates seat, currently held by BJP’s Davkhare. However, seat-sharing discussions are pending within the Mahayuti alliance.

The Election Commission of India announced the biennial election to MLC from two graduates and two teachers constituencies on June 26, with counting scheduled for July 1. The deadline for filing nominations is June 7, with votes to be cast on June 26 and counted on July 1.

Of 78 seats in the Legislative Council, 21 are currently vacant, with 12 being Governor-appointed MLCs and nine selected through local body representatives.