The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has revealed its five candidates for the upcoming biennial elections to the Maharashtra Legislative Council set for May 12. The party has put forward Sunil Karjatkar, Madhavi Naik, Sanjay Bhende, Vivek Kolhe, and Pramod Jathar as its nominees. Additionally, Pragnya Satav has been nominated following her switch from Congress to BJP after resigning as a legislator in December 2025.
The nominations come as the terms of the current members of the Upper House are due to end on May 13. The BJP’s list of candidates showcases a mix of experienced leaders and young faces, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis playing a key role in the selection process. Notably, Sunil Karjatkar, a longstanding party member, has been actively involved in organizational activities, while Madhavi Naik, a lawyer by profession, has risen through the ranks within the BJP.
Sanjay Bhende, the State BJP Vice-President, and Vivek Kolhe, the grandson of a prominent cooperative leader, are among the other nominees. Pramod Jathar, a former legislator from Sindhudurg district, completes the BJP’s lineup for the Maharashtra Legislative Council polls. The Mahayuti alliance, with a significant vote surplus, is well-positioned to secure eight seats in the elections.
In a scenario where the Opposition, with 46 MLAs, can potentially elect one candidate, securing 29 first-preference votes is crucial for victory in the Maharashtra Assembly. The upcoming elections are poised to be a significant political event in the state, with various parties vying for representation in the Legislative Council.
