The Election Commission of India has revealed the timetable for the biennial elections to 37 vacant Rajya Sabha seats, including seven from Maharashtra. The ruling Mahayuti coalition is expected to secure six seats, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi is likely to obtain one seat, reflecting their strengths in the state Assembly.
The polling is set for March 16, with the nomination filing deadline from February 26 to March 5. Among the seven Rajya Sabha members from Maharashtra whose terms are ending on April 2 are notable figures like Sharad Pawar, Fauzia Khan, and Ramdas Athawale.
In this election for seven seats, a candidate will need 37 first preference votes to win. The BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP are anticipated to secure seats based on their Assembly strengths, potentially leading to an unopposed election.
Considering the party-wise strength, the BJP and its allies are in a favorable position to secure multiple seats. The role of key figures like Sharad Pawar and the potential merger of NCP factions add intrigue to the political landscape in Maharashtra.
Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut has proposed re-election for Sharad Pawar to the Rajya Sabha, a move that could garner support from Congress. The upcoming elections also raise questions about the future of leaders like Ramdas Athawale and the dynamics within the ruling coalition.
