High-Stakes Maharashtra Legislative Council Elections: 203 MLAs Cast Votes

In the biennial elections for 11 seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, 203 MLAs cast their votes by noon Friday. Voting started at 9 am and will continue until 4 pm, with vote counting beginning at 5 pm. A total of 12 candidates are contesting for the 11 available seats.

In the high-stakes biennial elections to the Maharashtra Legislative Council, 203 MLAs have cast their votes by noon on Friday, amid a competitive tussle for the 11 available seats.

The Vidhan Bhavan complex in Maharashtra witnessed a brisk start to the voting process, which commenced at 9 am and is set to continue until 4 pm, with vote counting scheduled for 5 pm. A total of 12 candidates are vying for the 11 seats in the upper house of the state legislature, which has a current electoral college comprising 274 legislative assembly members.

Notable among the political contenders are five BJP candidates, and Mahayuti allies Shiv Sena and NCP, fielding two candidates each. Other significant players include Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), with one candidate apiece, and the NCP (SP), supporting the Peasants and Workers Party nominee. As the terms of 11 council members are set to expire on July 27, this election holds particular political significance. Successful candidates require a quota of 23 first-preference votes to secure a win.