In Maharashtra’s recent MLC elections, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance made a strong comeback after a previous setback. The alliance includes Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s NCP along with the BJP. They won a significant victory, securing nine out of eleven seats.
The BJP fielded five candidates including Pankaja Munde and all five emerged victorious. Shiv Sena and NCP each fielded two candidates all of whom also won. This result is seen as crucial ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections later this year.
Ajit Pawar expressed gratitude to the five supporting MLAs and downplayed election allegations. Meanwhile BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis celebrated the alliance’s success referring to their ‘9/9’ win .
The opposition coalition Maha Vikas Aghadi consisting of Congress Shiv Sena and NCP factions was led by Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar. They fielded three candidates.
The MLC election is being viewed as a crucial event before the Maharashtra Assembly election later this year. Ajit Pawar speaking to reporters after the results thanked the five MLAs who supported them saying, During elections there are always allegations but I don’t dwell on them.
BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis quickly celebrated the victory, posting a short message on social media platform X (previously Twitter), saying, “9 out of 9” along with a thumbs-up emoji.
The voting process, which took place in the morning, involves indirect election by Assembly lawmakers. With their legislative strength, the Mahayuti alliance secured its victory.