In a major turnaround, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, comprising Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s NCP, and the BJP, has secured significant victories in the recent legislative council polls. This comes as a much-needed boost after a lackluster performance in the general elections.
The alliance celebrated as three BJP leaders – Pankaja Munde, Parinay Phuke, and Yogesh Tilekar – each secured 26 votes, surpassing the 23-vote threshold needed for victory. Additionally, Rajesh Vitekar and Shivajirao Garje from Ajit Pawar’s NCP emerged victorious, alongside Bhavana Gawli from the Shinde Sena.
The Mahayuti has won nine seats it contested. In contrast, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, composed of the Congress, and factions of the Shiv Sena and NCP led by Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar, respectively, has secured only one seat, with Pradnya Satav emerging victorious.
The elections, held for a total of 11 seats with 12 candidates in the fray, were marked by intense political maneuvering. Fears of horse-trading and poaching led to a round of “resort politics,” a tactic increasingly common in Indian elections where lawmakers are sequestered in resorts to prevent defections.
The INDIA bloc, part of the opposition, had set the stage for a contentious election by fielding one more candidate than their strength in the Assembly could likely support. Given the Assembly’s current composition of 274 seats, a candidate required 23 first-preference votes to secure a win.
With 201 MLAs, the Mahayuti alliance had a clear numerical advantage. It also garnered support from nine independent lawmakers, reinforcing its strength. On the other hand, the opposition MVA could count on only 67 MLAs, with six MLAs declaring themselves neutral.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, reflecting on the election results, noted the strategic depth of the Mahayuti’s political play. “This victory is not just about numbers; it is about the faith of the people in our leadership and vision for Maharashtra,” Shah commented.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his gratitude to the voters and reiterated the alliance’s commitment to development and governance. “This victory is a testament to the unity and hard work of the Mahayuti alliance. We will continue to work tirelessly for the betterment of Maharashtra,” Shinde said.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of these results for the alliance’s future plans. “Winning these seats strengthens our position and gives us the mandate to push forward with our agenda of growth and development,” Pawar remarked.
The legislative council poll results are seen as a significant indicator of the political climate in Maharashtra, setting the stage for future electoral battles. With the Mahayuti alliance now bolstered by these wins, the opposition faces an uphill battle to reclaim its lost ground.