15 February,2024 03:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Milind Deora, a former Union minister, who exited Congress recently and joined the Shiv Sena- Eknath Shinde faction, filled his Rajya Sabha nomination on Thursday/ Atul Kamble
Six Rajya Sabha seats in Maharashtra are up for election as the existing MPs' tenure expires. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who just joined the party, as well as Medha Kulkarni and Dr. Ajit Gopchade. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) nominated former Union Minister Praful Patel, while the Shiv Sena nominated Milind Deora, who just switched loyalties, and the Congress chose Dalit activist Chandrakant Handore.
Chavan, Kulkarni, and Gopchade of the BJP filed nomination papers at the Vidhan Bhavan. Chavan went to the Siddhivinayak temple before filing his paperwork, stating his desire for a "new political life." "This is a commencement of my new political life," Chavan was quoted as saying in the PTI report.
Kulkarni, the only female contender among the six, promised to use the chance provided by the party, the report added.
Praful Patel, of the NCP, filed his nomination with the approval of party leaders. Patel, the NCP's current working president, emphasised that the nomination is part of a political plan and anticipates clarity in the coming days.
"This (nomination) is part of a political strategy and things will get clear in the coming days," Patel was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, Sunil Tatkare told the media that despite having four years of his Rajya Sabha term left, 'technical issues' made the party field Patel again.
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Deora, a former Union minister who just joined the Shiv Sena, stated in Parliament that he is committed to fulfilling Chief Minister Shinde's vision for Mumbai and Maharashtra. Handore, flanked by Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders, hailed his party for the nomination.
With 284 MLAs in the state house, each Rajya Sabha seat requires 41 votes to be won. The BJP, with 105 MLAs and support from Independents and smaller allies, can win three seats. The Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress are projected to gain one seat apiece, according to their respective strengths.
