Mumbai, Maharashtra – In a move that settles internal political equations, the Congress party has decided to back Ambadas Danve, the nominee of its ally Shiv Sena (UBT), for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council polls. This decision averts a potential split within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) opposition alliance, which had faced internal friction over candidate nominations.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Congress’s decision came after extensive deliberations among MVA leaders. Initially, there were indications that the Congress might field its own candidate, particularly if Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray had not been contesting. However, following discussions, the party has opted to support Danve, who has already filed his nomination papers.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Fields Danve After Thackeray Opts Out
The Shiv Sena (UBT) had nominated Ambadas Danve, a close confidant of the Thackeray family and a former Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, after Uddhav Thackeray decided against contesting the election himself. This decision by the Shiv Sena (UBT) had initially caused disquiet within the MVA, with the Congress indicating its potential to field a rival candidate. Sources within the Congress had expressed that the decision to nominate Danve was perceived as unilateral, testing the unity of the tripartite alliance. The party’s Maharashtra in-charge, Ramesh Chennithala, reportedly held discussions with Uddhav Thackeray, which ultimately led to the Congress softening its stance.
MVA Alliance Dynamics and Seat Calculations
The Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP), holds a combined strength of approximately 46 MLAs in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. This numerical strength is sufficient to secure the election of one candidate for the Legislative Council. The ruling Mahayuti coalition, on the other hand, with its combined strength of BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction), has a stronger numerical position, calculated to win at least eight seats out of the ten falling vacant.
The Mahayuti coalition’s candidates include six from the BJP, two from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and one from the NCP led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Among the notable BJP nominees are Sunil Vinayak Karjatkar, Madhavi Naik, Sanjay Natthuji Bhende, Vivek Bipindada Kolhe, and Pramod Shantaram Jathar. The Eknath Shinde faction has renominated Neelam Gorhe and included former MLA Bachchu Kadu, while the NCP has fielded former MLA Zeeshan Siddique. A separate by-election is also scheduled for a seat vacated by Pradnya Satav, who joined the BJP.
Election Process and Previous Stances
The biennial elections for ten Legislative Council seats were scheduled for May 12. The deadline for filing nominations was April 30. With ten nominations filed, the elections are likely to proceed unopposed, provided no further nominations are withdrawn or new ones filed before the deadline. The quota for winning a seat in the biennial poll requires approximately 29 votes from the Assembly members. In the case of the separate by-election, a higher quota of around 144 votes is needed.
Earlier, there had been speculation about the possibility of an unopposed election, with reports suggesting negotiations between the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the BJP to facilitate such an outcome. This approach had also been seen in the recent Rajya Sabha polls in the state, where candidates were elected unopposed due to strategic nominations aligning with party strengths. The MVA alliance had initially faced a challenge in reaching a consensus, with some factions suggesting that only Uddhav Thackeray’s candidacy would guarantee unanimous support from all constituent parties.
The decision by the Congress to support Ambadas Danve now consolidates the MVA’s position for at least one seat, thereby maintaining a semblance of unity within the opposition bloc amidst the complex political landscape of Maharashtra. This development is seen as a strategic move to present a united front against the ruling coalition in upcoming political contests.
The Chenab Times News Desk