Congress withdraws with Rajyasabha Deal
The election for 10 seats of the Maharashtra Legislative Council has witnessed major political shifts at the eleventh hour, effectively sealing the deal for an unopposed contest. The deadlock over seat-sharing within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was resolved as Congress withdrew its claim. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde strengthened the Mahayuti’s position by inducting Bacchu Kadu into the Shiv Sena, turning a ‘bitter’ challenge into a ‘sweet’ strategic victory.
With only 10 candidates remaining for the 10 seats, the election scheduled for May 12 is now a mere formality, and the unopposed election of all candidates is considered certain.
Congress’s ‘Condition’ and Support for Ambadas Danve
The internal friction within the MVA, which erupted after the Thackeray faction announced Ambadas Danve’s candidacy, has finally settled. Congress State President Harshvardhan Sapkal clarified that Congress would not contest the seat and declared support for Danve. However, this support comes with a catch Congress has staked its claim on upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council seats. While Uddhav Thackeray’s acceptance of this condition has averted a split in the alliance, it is likely to impact Sanjay Raut’s future political career. For now, Ambadas Danve’s path to the Legislative Council is clear.
Renewed Faith in Neelam Gorhe; Bacchu Kadu Enters with ‘Bow and Arrow’
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has once again asserted his dominance within the Mahayuti. Overriding opposition from some of his own ministers and leaders, Shinde has re-nominated Neelam Gorhe. In a significant move, Bacchu Kadu of the Prahar Janshakti Party, who had been disgruntled for several days, officially joined the Shiv Sena and was granted a candidacy. Known as a crusader for the masses, Kadu’s entry provides the Shiv Sena with an aggressive face in the Vidarbha region.
BJP’s ‘Social Engineering’ and NCP’s Zeeshan Siddiqui
The Bharatiya Janata Party has maintained a balance between old and new faces in its list of six candidates. Through Madhavi Naik, Pragya Satav, and Vivek Kolhe, the BJP has fortified its front on various social and regional levels. On the other hand, the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has fielded Zeeshan Siddiqui, aiming to secure the minority vote bank.
Thackeray’s ‘Sacrifice’ or ‘Diplomacy’?
Following the footsteps of Sonia Gandhi, Uddhav Thackeray decided not to enter the Legislative Council himself. Debates are rife over whether this is a message to party workers for the upcoming Assembly elections or a sign of helplessness in yielding to allies.
Kadu’s ‘Prahar’ Now from Shiv Sena!
Bacchu Kadu’s induction is a major boost for the Mahayuti in Vidarbha. However, with Prahar’s independent identity now merged, it remains to be seen how Kadu’s supporters and original Shiv Sena workers accept this transition.
Strategic Move by Congress
While Congress is projecting itself as the ‘elder brother’ by withdrawing from this race, it has strategically cornered Thackeray by securing a future Rajya Sabha seat.
Shinde’s ‘Worker-Centric’ Party
“This is a party of workers, not owners,” said Eknath Shinde, taking a dig at Uddhav Thackeray. He emphasized that re-nominating Neelam Gorhe is a tribute to women’s leadership.
List of Candidates
BJP: Sunil Karjatkar, Madhavi Naik, Sanjay Bhende, Vivek Kolhe, Pramod Jathar, Pragya Satav (By-election for vacant seat).
Shiv Sena: Neelam Gorhe, Bacchu Kadu.
NCP: Zeeshan Siddiqui.
MVA (UBT Faction): Ambadas Danve.
‘Fruit of my Struggle’: Mitkari’s Outburst After Being Denied Candidacy
After being dropped from the Legislative Council race, NCP leader and former MLC Amol Mitkari took to social media to vent his frustration.
“I was mentally prepared on January 29th that this would be the fruit of my struggle. I would sacrifice a thousand such opportunities for you (Dada), but this fight will not stop until justice is served,” Mitkari stated in his tweet. His cryptic mention of a “fight for justice” and “uncovering the truth behind the accident” has sent ripples through the political circles.
