In a major political development, NCP (Sharad Pawar) president Sharad Pawar, along with Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Priyanka Chaturvedi and Sanjay Raut, may not return to the Rajya Sabha due to insufficient support within their respective parties. The political equation following the BJP-led alliance’s landslide victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections has tilted heavily in favor of the ruling coalition, leaving the Opposition Mahavikas Aghadi (MVA) struggling to maintain its foothold in both state and national politics.
End of a Rajya Sabha Era for Sharad Pawar?
Sharad Pawar, elected to the Rajya Sabha for a six-year term on April 3, 2020, is set to complete his tenure on April 3, 2026. He has previously hinted that this would be his final term in the Upper House. With the NCP (SP) securing only two seats in the Maharashtra assembly elections, its diminished strength reduces Pawar’s chances of re-election significantly.
Chaturvedi and Raut’s Terms Also in Doubt
Priyanka Chaturvedi and Sanjay Raut, who have been vocal advocates for their party’s policies, face similar challenges. Chaturvedi’s term ends alongside Pawar’s in April 2026, while Raut’s extends until July 2028. However, the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s lackluster performance in the recent elections—winning only 20 seats—has jeopardized their political prospects, leaving the BJP-led Mahayuti in a commanding position.
BJP Strengthens Its Grip
The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition’s massive win, securing 235 out of 288 seats in the Maharashtra assembly with 49.6% of the vote share, has significantly bolstered its influence in the Rajya Sabha. Maharashtra, which sends 19 members to the Upper House, currently has a BJP majority with seven seats, followed by Congress with three, Shiv Sena (UBT) with two, NCP with three, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) with two.
With 95 members in the Rajya Sabha and strong support from allies and nominated members, the BJP is poised to further consolidate its position in the 245-member Upper House.
Rajya Sabha Vacancies and Implications
While Maharashtra has no immediate vacancies, the Rajya Sabha currently has 10 seats vacant from other states, with the BJP expected to win a majority of them. Additionally, four vacancies for nominated members offer the BJP an opportunity to push its numbers further. If these predictions hold, the BJP-led alliance could exceed the halfway mark in the Rajya Sabha, strengthening its legislative power at the national level.