Maharashtra Rajya Sabha Polls: Mahayuti Holds Edge as MVA Faces Internal Rift

The political battle for seven Rajya Sabha seats in Maharashtra has intensified ahead of the March 16 elections, with the ruling alliance holding a strong numerical advantage while the opposition grapples with internal divisions.

In the 286-member effective Maharashtra Assembly, a candidate requires 36 votes to secure a Rajya Sabha seat. The ruling Mahayuti coalition — comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde, and the Nationalist Congress Party — commands 232 votes. This gives the alliance a comfortable path to win six out of the seven available seats.

MVA’s Arithmetic Challenge

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes the Shiv Sena, the Nationalist Congress Party, and the Indian National Congress, has a combined strength of 46 MLAs. This is enough to secure one Rajya Sabha seat.

However, internal rivalry within the MVA is complicating candidate selection. Aaditya Thackeray has reportedly asserted that his party deserves the nomination, citing its legislative strength and vocal opposition role. Meanwhile, the faction led by Sharad Pawar is said to be pushing for its own senior leader, raising the possibility of friction within the alliance.

Key Leaders Completing Tenure

Several prominent leaders are set to complete their Rajya Sabha terms in April. These include Sharad Pawar, Fauzia Khan, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Ramdas Athawale, Bhagwat Karad and Rajani Patil, among others.

On the Mahayuti side, the BJP is reportedly considering senior leaders such as Vinod Tawde for a return to parliamentary politics. Other names under discussion include Vijaya Rahatkar and Dhairyashil Patil.

Speculation is also growing within the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar, where a possible nomination for Parth Pawar is being discussed. Meanwhile, Shinde’s Shiv Sena is reportedly weighing the candidature of former MP Rahul Shewale.

Possibility of a Seventh Seat Upset

After securing six seats, the Mahayuti would still have surplus votes — potentially enough to influence the seventh contest if cross-voting occurs. Political observers believe that if the MVA fails to unite behind a single candidate, the ruling alliance could attempt to engineer an upset.

For the Mahayuti, the strategy revolves around maximising its numerical advantage. For the MVA, the focus must remain on internal cohesion to ensure it retains its single winnable seat.

As nomination day approaches, negotiations within both camps are expected to intensify, making the Maharashtra Rajya Sabha elections a closely watched political contest.