The Nashik seat for the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) election scheduled on June 18 has emerged as a major point of contention within the Mahayuti alliance, as both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena have staked their claims.
Background of the Vacant Seat
The seat has been vacant for nearly two years. It was last held by Shiv Sena functionary Narendra Darade, a fact that the party is using to strengthen its demand. On the other hand, BJP functionaries argue that their party currently has the largest number of elected representatives in the constituency, which forms the electoral college for the MLC polls. This, they claim, gives them a stronger bargaining position.
A BJP office-bearer stated, “We have the highest number of elected representatives in the district, so it is natural for the party to seek the Nashik seat. However, the final decision will be taken by senior leaders.”
Aspirants from Both Parties
Within the BJP, MLA Ganesh Gite and Nilesh Bora are keen to contest. On the Shiv Sena side, former MLC Narendra Darade, Nashik Municipal Corporation group leader Ajay Boraste, and party secretary Bhausaheb Chaudhari are aspirants. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has yet to announce its stand on the seat-sharing arrangement.
Electoral College Composition
According to data from the district election office, a total of 623 public representatives will form the electorate for the Nashik MLC polls. This includes 122 corporators from the Nashik Municipal Corporation and 84 from the Malegaon Municipal Corporation, along with members from various municipal councils and nagar panchayats across the district.
Election Schedule
With the election schedule already announced, political activity has intensified. Key dates are as follows:
- Nomination filing: May 25 to June 1
- Scrutiny of nominations: June 2
- Last date for withdrawal: June 4
- Voting: June 18 from 8 am to 4 pm
- Counting of votes: June 22
As the deadline approaches, both BJP and Shiv Sena have stepped up lobbying efforts to secure the crucial seat, setting the stage for a keen intra-alliance battle.
