Maharashtra MLC Elections 2024: The Battle for Supremacy Begins
The ruling NDA and opposition INDIA bloc are gearing up for the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, seen as a semi-final ahead of the assembly polls.
Maharashtra Mlc Elections 2024NdaIndia BlocMahayutiMaha Vikas AghadiBjpShiv SenaNcpCongressReal Estate MaharashtraJul 11, 2024
The contest is seen as a semi-final as the results will show whether the ruling Mahayuti is intact or some MLAs are slipping ahead of the assembly polls due in October-November. There has been buzz that after the Lok Sabha results, where the NCP could win only 1 of 4 seats, some MLAs from Ajit Pawar's camp may switch sides as they are not confident of returning to power after the assembly elections.
The NDA comprises the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP, while the INDIA bloc has Congress, Sharad Pawar's NCP, and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena. In Maharashtra, the NDA alliance is called Mahayuti while the INDIA bloc is called Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
The ruling Mahayuti has fielded 9 candidates (BJP 5, Shiv Sena 2, NCP 2), while the opposition MVA has fielded 3 (Congress 1, Sena UBT 1, NCP-SP backing Jayant Patil of the Peasants and Workers Party, an ally of the MVA).
The numbers game is crucial, with each candidate needing around 23 first preference votes to win. The BJP has a bench strength of 111, including Independents, but is still short of four votes. Shinde has 38 MLAs besides the support of two legislators from the Prahar Janashakti Party and seven Independents. Ajit Pawar's NCP has 39 members, short of seven votes for its second candidate.
In the MVA, the Congress has 37 members, leaving it with surplus votes after allocating a quota for its sole candidate Satav. However, its MLAs like Zeeshan Siddiqui and Sulabha Khodke are already in touch with the NCP.
The support of smaller parties will become crucial, with parties like the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SCP) having less than the required number of MLAs to sail through. The twelfth candidate in the fray has triggered fears of horse trading and cross-voting.
Ahead of the final showdown, political parties are hosting dinner meetings and arranging hotel stays for their MLAs in a bid to keep their flock together. Leader of Opposition in the assembly Vijay Wadettiwar of the Congress has organised a dinner for his party MLAs in a Mumbai hotel on Thursday.
The threat of cross-voting is looming large, with parties fearing defections and poaching of MLAs. The MLC elections are taking place due to the retirement of several sitting members, including Vijay Girkar, Nilay Naik, Ramesh Patil, and Ramrao Patil of the BJP, among others.
The stage is set for a high-stakes battle, with the outcome of the MLC elections likely to have a significant impact on the upcoming assembly polls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Maharashtra MLC elections 2024?
The Maharashtra MLC elections 2024 are seen as a semi-final ahead of the assembly polls, with the outcome likely to have a significant impact on the upcoming elections.
What is the composition of the NDA and INDIA bloc in Maharashtra?
The NDA comprises the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP, while the INDIA bloc has Congress, Sharad Pawar's NCP, and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena.
How many candidates are in the fray for the MLC elections?
12 candidates are in the fray for 11 seats in the Maharashtra MLC elections.
What is the numbers game in the MLC elections?
Each candidate needs around 23 first preference votes to win, with the BJP having a bench strength of 111, including Independents, but still short of four votes.
What is the fear of cross-voting in the MLC elections?
The twelfth candidate in the fray has triggered fears of horse trading and cross-voting, with parties fearing defections and poaching of MLAs.
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