MUMBAI: With the Election Commission expected to announce polls on nine seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Council shortly, the Mahayuti, with a massive surplus of 235 total votes, can comfortably win eight seats, comprising BJP five, Shiv Sena two and NCP one.
With 46 MLAs currently in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) camp comprising Shiv Sena (UBT) 20, Congress 16 and NCP (SP) 10, the Opposition can elect one candidate, provided there is no cross-voting or defection.
Based on the current strength of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, to secure a victory, a candidate requires 29 first-preference votes.
However, state political circles are abuzz with one primary question whether Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will seek another term in the Upper House.
The election will be necessary as nine members of the state council will retire on May 13.