Maharashtra Legislative Council By-Elections: Mahayuti Faces Internal Struggles Over Candidacy

By-elections for five Legislative Council seats will be held on March 27. The Mahayuti's strong assembly majority makes it likely they will win all seats. The elected MLAs' tenure will align with the original end date for these five Council members' terms. However, internal tensions within the Mahayuti are surfacing due to a large number of aspirants vying for the limited positions, potentially impacting party leadership during candidate nominations. An Ajit Pawar-led NCP leader, Nana Kate, publicly reminded Ajit Pawar of a promise, referencing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

These seats became vacant after five members won assembly elections in November. Ajit Pawar group MLAs elected now would serve a five-and-a-half-year term, Shinde Sena MLAs three-and-a-half years, and BJP MLAs only 13 months, possibly leading the BJP to favor second-tier candidates.

Nana Kate recounted meeting Ajit Pawar, who, after a BJP victory led to this seat being unavailable, allegedly promised to "see what happens" given the alliance. Kate highlighted the four BJP MLAs in Pimpri Chinchwad versus one NCP MLA, arguing the NCP needs more representation and presenting a corporator and leader-backed signature campaign. Having bid "farewell" to Pawar during the current session, Kate plans to meet him with a statement.

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Furthermore, Shankar Jagtap claims Devendra Fadnavis requested he withdraw his candidacy during the assembly elections, promising future assistance. Jagtap hopes Fadnavis will now fulfill that promise, aligning with the Mahayuti's "religion" of reciprocity. Nana Kate aspires to secure the Ajit Pawar group's candidacy for one of these Legislative Council seats.