Mumbai: According to the preliminary Mahayuti formula for the upcoming MLC elections from local bodies scheduled for next month, the BJP is poised to secure the largest share with 11 out of 17 seats, while Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and the NCP are likely to get three seats each.
Election Schedule and Seat Distribution
Polling for the 17 seats, where Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) will be elected by local body representatives across the state, is set for June 18. The Shiv Sena is expected to contest seats from Thane, Nashik, and Yavatmal, while the NCP will field candidates from Raigad-Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Pune, and Parbhani. The BJP has claimed all remaining seats. However, senior functionaries indicated that a final decision on the seat-distribution formula will be made by the top leaders of the three alliance partners.
Statements from Alliance Leaders
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that leaders from all three parties will convene to discuss where each party will contest. This discussion is expected to take place soon. So far, no formula has been finalized, and it will only be decided by the top leaders. They will consider existing candidates, those who contested in the last election, and the current strength of each party, as per Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde.
Minister Uday Samant confirmed that the Shiv Sena submitted its proposal to the BJP during the Mahayuti coordination committee meeting. The NCP may have also submitted its proposal. Samant expressed confidence that the Mahayuti will contest all 17 seats and win them all. A final decision is expected within the next two to three days.
Detailed Timeline for MLC Elections
- Polling for the seats will be held on June 18.
- Counting of votes will take place on June 22.
- The notification for the election will be issued on May 25.
- The last date for filing nominations is June 1.
- Scrutiny of applications will be conducted on June 2.
- Candidates can withdraw their nominations until June 4.
These seats have remained vacant for more than two-and-a-half years due to the non-conduct of local body elections across Maharashtra.
