Sharad Pawar: A Return to Rajya Sabha?

Sanjay Raut claims that Sharad Pawar intends to contest the Rajya Sabha elections, with the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) set to discuss the matter. Despite discussions on the unification of NCP factions after Ajit Pawar's death, the merger seems unlikely according to Raut.

Sanjay Raut, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), revealed on Saturday that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) chief Sharad Pawar is planning to contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The opposition coalition, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), contemplating this issue, will gather for discussions.

Raut, a member of Parliament's Upper House, conveyed that the likelihood of merging the factions of NCP is low. The late deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar, had previously wished for unity, but his sudden death in a Pune plane crash left plans uncertain.

Seven members, including Pawar, will leave the Rajya Sabha in April, and MVA might secure one seat. Although there were reports of possible NCP unity, Chief Minister Fadnavis expressed skepticism about any progress in such talks.

(With inputs from agencies.)