Mumbai A political tug of war has started in Maharashtra regarding the only possible Rajya Sabha seat within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) has staked its claim on this seat, indicating talks and bargaining between the alliance partners.
Aditya Thackeray cited strength of numbers
Party leader Aditya Thackeray said that this seat should come to his party on the basis of the number of MLAs in the assembly.
He clarified that there has been no formal discussion yet on seat sharing with the alliance partners – Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), but the talks will move forward in this direction.
MVA in case of winning only one seat
According to the current numbers, MVA can win only one of the seven Rajya Sabha seats in Maharashtra. This is why it has become important to decide within the alliance which party the candidate will belong to.
Sharad Pawar expressed his desire to return to Rajya Sabha
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that NCP chief Sharad Pawar has expressed his desire to contest the Rajya Sabha elections. His current term ends in April. According to Raut, “When a senior leader expresses such a desire, the alliance should consider it seriously.”
Sources say Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress may support Pawar’s candidature. In return, Shiv Sena can demand a Legislative Council seat under broader seat-sharing.
Discussion on Uddhav Thackeray’s return to Legislative Council also
Raut also said that he has requested former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to rejoin the Legislative Council. His tenure is ending in May and the party believes that it is necessary for him to remain in the House for organizational and legislative work.
Election schedule announced, equation clear
The Election Commission of India has announced voting for the biennial elections of Rajya Sabha on March 16.
Based on the current strength of the assembly, Bharatiya Janata Party is believed to be in a position to win four seats, while allies may get other seats. If MVA remains united, it is considered certain that it will get only one seat.
A candidate needs 37 first-preference votes to win.
Congress gave a balanced signal
The Maharashtra Congress president said that the alliance partners should clarify their political stand before taking a collective decision, so that a consensus can be reached on the candidate.
One Rajya Sabha seat has raised the question of balance of power within the MVA. The claims of Uddhav Thackeray faction, possible return of Sharad Pawar and discussions about seat adjustment may further heat up the internal politics of the alliance in the coming days.