The biennial elections to four legislative council seats in Maharashtra are scheduled for July 26. The constituencies involved are the Mumbai Graduates? constituency, the Konkan Graduates? constituency, the Mumbai Teachers? constituency, and the Nashik Teachers? constituency. These elections are necessitated by the expiration of the terms of the sitting members. The results of these elections will be declared on July 1.

The Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is facing fresh challenges in the lead-up to these elections, especially in the wake of their poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Speculations are rife about veteran leader Chhagan Bhujbal potentially leaving the party, adding to the internal strife.

In a surprising turn of events, senior NCP leader and Dindori MLA Narhari Zirwal announced his support for Sandeep Gulve, a candidate from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), for the Nashik Teachers? Constituency. This move is seen as a significant deviation from the party's official stance, as the Mahayuti coalition?s candidate for this constituency is Kishor Darade from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Responding to these developments, NCP (Ajit Pawar) leadership has denied any internal dissent. Party chief Sunil Tatkare expressed his surprise at Zirwal's announcement and addressed the use of Ajit Pawar?s images on campaign banners. Tatkare stated, "There is nothing wrong if his supporters have used Pawar saheb?s pictures on the banners as our leader. However, Pawar saheb himself wanted us not to do so and threatened to approach the court."