RajyaSabha – MVA Partners Clash Over Maharashtra Seat Claim
RajyaSabha – A contest over a crucial Rajya Sabha seat in Maharashtra has sparked fresh negotiations within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), as alliance partners press competing claims ahead of the upcoming election. With limited numbers in the state assembly, the coalition is expected to secure only one seat, intensifying discussions among its constituents.
Congress Asserts Claim as National Party
Leaders of the MVA, which includes the Indian National Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), convened in Mumbai on Thursday to deliberate on seat allocation and strategy for both the Rajya Sabha and the Maharashtra Legislative Council polls.
After the meeting, Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar stated that his party had formally sought the seat, citing its stature as a national political party. He indicated that discussions were ongoing and emphasized that further consultations with party leadership would take place before a final call is made.
According to Wadettiwar, while both the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) have expressed interest in the seat, the alliance remains committed to contesting the election collectively. He underlined that any candidate would be announced only after consensus among all three partners.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Points to Assembly Strength
The Shiv Sena (UBT), however, maintains that its numerical advantage in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly strengthens its claim. The party currently holds 20 MLAs, compared to the Congress’s 16 and the NCP (SP)’s 10.
Senior Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray recently indicated that the seat rightfully aligns with his party’s strength in the assembly and suggested that internal discussions would move in that direction. His remarks were echoed by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, who argued that as the largest constituent within the alliance, the Shiv Sena (UBT) should have the first opportunity to nominate a candidate.
Raut had earlier also referred to NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar expressing interest regarding the Upper House berth, adding another dimension to the internal deliberations.
NCP (SP) Awaits Leadership Consultation
The NCP (SP), for its part, has indicated that it will seek guidance from its senior leadership before taking a definitive stand. Party representatives at the meeting refrained from making a public claim, signaling that negotiations remain fluid.
Wadettiwar expressed confidence that differences over seat-sharing for both the Rajya Sabha and the Legislative Council elections would be settled through dialogue. He stressed that unity within the MVA was paramount and predicted that a joint effort would ensure victory in the March 16 polling.
Election Timeline and Retiring Members
The Election Commission has issued the notification for seven Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra, with voting scheduled for March 16. Nominations can be filed until March 5. Members of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly will cast their votes to elect representatives to the Upper House of Parliament.
Several prominent leaders are set to complete their current terms in April. These include Sharad Pawar, Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Fauzia Khan of the NCP (SP), Ramdas Athawale of the RPI (Athawale), BJP’s Bhagwat Karad, Congress leader Rajani Patil, and NCP’s Dhairysheel Patil.
Given the MVA’s present strength in the assembly, political observers note that the alliance is positioned to secure only one seat, making internal consensus critical.
Religious Practice Row in Malegaon
During his interaction with reporters, Wadettiwar also addressed questions regarding a recent incident in Malegaon, located in Nashik district, where municipal staff were reportedly seen offering namaz inside a civic office.
He stated that religious activities should not be conducted on public roads but added that for those observing fast during Ramzan, timely prayers hold significance. Alleging that the issue was being unnecessarily politicised, he cautioned against attempts to create divisions along religious lines.
As the nomination deadline approaches, negotiations within the MVA are expected to intensify. While competing claims persist, leaders across the alliance have reiterated their intention to present a united front in the Rajya Sabha election.