Maharashtra Elections: Congress Backs Shiv Sena (UBT) Candidate Amid Political Realignments

The Maharashtra Congress, alongside NCP (SCP), has thrown its weight behind Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Ambadas Danve for the forthcoming MLC elections. This development comes amidst a backdrop of political transitions, with various parties nominating candidates for the biennial and by-election seats.

In a crucial political move, the Maharashtra Congress announced its support for Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Ambadas Danve in the upcoming MLC elections, opting not to field its own candidate. This decision was confirmed by state party president Harshvardhan Sapkal and signals a strong alignment within the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition.

Amidst speculation that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray might contest, the party instead nominated former MLC Ambadas Danve. The elections feature nine seats up for grabs, alongside a bypoll following Pradnya Rajeev Satav's shift from Congress to BJP.

The BJP has put forth Pradnya Satav for the bypoll and announced a roster of five candidates for the elections, including notable names like Sunil Vinayak Karjatkar and Madhavi Naik. Nominations were made amid Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's presence, underscoring the party's strategic intent.

On the final nomination day, NCP leader Zeeshan Siddiqui entered the race in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena re-nominated Neelam Gorhe and saw new allegiance from Prahar Janshakti Party founder Bachchu Kadu, who joined forces with the Eknath Shinde-led faction.

Bachchu Kadu's switch to Shiv Sena, in a move witnessed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, comes after his narrow loss in the 2024 Assembly elections. The nomination process culminates on April 30, with scrutiny set for May 2, leading up to the May 12 polls.