Congress Eyes Legislative Council Seat Amidst MVA Alliance Dynamics

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal stated that his party expects to contest a legislative council seat if Uddhav Thackeray does not seek renomination. Elections for nine council seats are scheduled for May 12, with the BJP-led Mahayuti holding a majority. Sapkal highlighted the Opposition's potential to secure a seat.

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal expressed his party's intent to contest a legislative council seat in the upcoming biennial elections. He emphasized that this move is contingent upon Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray not seeking his renomination.

Sapkal's comments come in light of Sharad Pawar's recent nomination to the Rajya Sabha, despite Congress' aspirations for that seat. The elections for nine legislative council seats, scheduled for May 12, present a chance for the Opposition to secure a single seat, given their combined strength in the Lower House.

Sapkal also referenced the implications of former Congress MLC Pradnya Satav's defection to the BJP, advocating for the seat she vacated to be filled by a Congress candidate in an uncontested by-election. This stance aligns with Sapkal's appeal for political conventions to be honored, as the Congress recently withdrew a candidate from the Baramati bypoll.

(With inputs from agencies.)