The Congress and NCP-SP have declared their backing for Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray in the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council election scheduled for May 12. The Election Commission has issued a notification for the state Council poll for nine seats, with the BJP expected to secure five seats, two by Shiv Sena, and one each by NCP and Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshwardhan Sapkal met Uddhav Thackeray at his residence, ‘Matoshree,’ emphasizing the need for improved communication and coordination among the three MVA constituent parties. Congress is suggested to contest the Rajya Sabha election, while Uddhav Thackeray, as the MVA face, is proposed for the Legislative Council poll.
Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar affirmed the party’s support for Uddhav Thackeray and proposed a joint decision among the three parties for the Maha Vikas Aghadi candidate if Thackeray declines. NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule also urged Uddhav Thackeray to contest the Council poll, highlighting his leadership experience and the benefits it could bring to the state and the House.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) is yet to reveal its stance, while both Congress and NCP (SP) are anticipated to urge Uddhav Thackeray to contest the Council poll not only as the Shiv Sena (UBT) nominee but as the MVA candidate. Historically, the Thackeray family members have refrained from direct elections, but this changed in 2019 when Aaditya Thackeray won the Worli Assembly seat, marking a new chapter in their political involvement.
