Maharashtra MLC Elections: Candidates Announced Amidst Rival Claims
Tensions rise in Maharashtra's ruling and opposition blocs as parties announce candidates for the upcoming Legislative Council polls.
Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress both field candidates for Amravati Teachers seat.
BJP announces three candidates for various constituencies ahead of elections.
Polling for five Legislative Council seats set for October 23.
In Maharashtra, political tensions have escalated as both the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) prepare for the upcoming Legislative Council elections scheduled for October 23. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has declared Dattatray Lahane as its candidate for the Amravati Teachers Constituency, while the Congress has also put forward Aditi Pohare for the same position. This contest highlights the competitive dynamics within the MVA coalition.
Further complicating the electoral landscape, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has nominated Dilip Ghuge for the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Graduates Constituency. Sanjay Raut, a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), emphasized that they are actively contesting both the Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar seats, framing it as a friendly competition. Meanwhile, the ruling coalition partners, Shiv Sena and BJP, are also in contention for the Pune Teachers Constituency, indicating a fractious atmosphere within the Mahayuti.
The BJP has announced three candidates for the Council elections, including Dr. Smita Jadhav for the Pune Division Graduates constituency, Sudhakar Kohle for the Nagpur Division Graduates constituency, and Kaustubh Gawde for the Pune Division Teachers constituency. Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed that Mangesh Chivte will be filing nominations for the Pune Teachers seat, with discussions among coalition leaders planned to finalize their strategy.
In addition to these developments, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), led by Sunetra Pawar, has put forth Satish Chavan as its candidate for the Aurangabad Graduates constituency. Chavan has a notable history, having served in the Upper House for three terms since 2008. The NCP is part of the ruling Mahayuti alongside the BJP and Shiv Sena, further intertwining the political stakes in these elections.
The biennial elections will fill five seats in the 78-member Legislative Council, comprising three graduates and two teachers’ constituencies. The polling is set for October 23, with vote counting scheduled for October 27. Candidates must file their nominations by October 6, with scrutiny occurring the following day and the option to withdraw nominations available until October 9. Eligible voters include registered graduates and teachers residing within the respective geographical divisions, making this election pivotal for the involved political parties.
