Supriya Sule meets Uddhav Thackeray over Rajya Sabha nomination

Sources said Sule pitched for NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar’s candidature, arguing that his nomination would ensure consensus and avoid a contest that could open the door for the BJP to stake claim to the seventh seat.

Supriya Sule, Uddhav Thackeray, Maha Vikas Aghadi, Supriya Sule meets Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, Mumbai news, Maharashtra news, Indian express, current affairsNCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule

NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule met Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree on Tuesday amid intensifying negotiations within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on its nominee for the lone seat in its quota from Maharashtra.

Sources said Sule pitched for NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar’s candidature, arguing that his nomination would ensure consensus and avoid a contest that could open the door for the BJP to stake claim to the seventh seat.

Elections to seven Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra are scheduled for March 16, with March 5 being the last date for filing nominations. With March 3 and 4 declared public holidays for Holi, Wednesday and Thursday are the final working days to submit papers.

The ruling Mahayuti is comfortably placed to win six of the seven seats. The contest for the seventh seat has triggered hard bargaining within the Opposition alliance, which can secure only one seat if it votes together.

The Shiv Sena (UBT), however, has staked claim to the berth based on its legislative strength and earlier understandings within the alliance. “Discussions are on, but no name has been finalised yet,” a Sena (UBT) functionary said, adding that the party’s claim remains firm.

While the NCP (SP) is pushing for Sharad Pawar and the Sena (UBT) is asserting its claim, the Congress is treading cautiously. State Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal has said alliance partners must first clarify their political positions before a collective decision is taken.

Privately, Congress leaders have expressed concerns over the possibility of a rapprochement between the two NCP factions. They fear that backing a candidate who might later shift allegiance to the ruling side could be politically damaging.

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“NCP SP leaders Supriya Sule ji and Jayant Patil ji met Uddhav Thackeray ji at Matoshree today. No decision has been made on the Rajya Sabha seat as yet, and will be made soon. All MVA partners will be together for discussions on the seat and the political alignments,” Sena UBT leader and MLA Aaditya Thackeray said.

 

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness. Expertise & Authority Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau. Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai. Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including: Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles. Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability). Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development. Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments. Experience Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting. Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism. Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra. He tweets @Ozarkarvallabh ... Read More

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