16 October,2026 10:17 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday expressed confidence that the ruling Mahayuti alliance would win all five seats in the upcoming Legislative Council elections, while criticising opposition parties over their response to the government's drought relief measures.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Navratri event in Pune, Shinde said the ruling alliance was contesting the elections together, with a few exceptions. He also confirmed that the Shiv Sena had extended support to independent candidate Sachin Sanap in the Pune Division Teachers' constituency.
Elections will be held on October 23 for five Maharashtra Legislative Council constituencies: Pune Graduates, Nagpur Graduates, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Graduates, Pune Teachers and Amravati Teachers. Counting of votes is scheduled for October 27, according to the announced election schedule.
The elections are being contested by candidates backed by the ruling Mahayuti alliance and opposition parties. Although the alliance has worked towards a common arrangement, differences over candidates have emerged in some constituencies.
Shinde said he expected the ruling coalition to secure all five seats, but the outcome will depend on voting by registered graduates and teachers in the respective constituencies.
Responding to criticism from opposition leaders over the government's assistance to farmers affected by drought, Shinde accused them of changing their position after the government announced drought relief.
"They had earlier demanded that drought be declared. They are now criticising the government after it announced the drought. The Opposition is also questioning the decision to provide an advance of Rs 5,000 to farmers," Shinde said.
The deputy chief minister maintained that the government had taken steps to support farmers facing difficulties due to drought conditions. His remarks came amid a debate over the adequacy and implementation of relief measures for affected agricultural households.
Shinde said political differences should be set aside when farmers are dealing with crop losses and financial uncertainty. He urged opposition parties to cooperate with the government in addressing the difficulties faced by cultivators.
"Instead of criticising the government, Opposition leaders should come together and support farmers," Shinde asserted.
The government has faced questions from opposition leaders over the scale of assistance announced for drought-affected farmers, including the proposed advance payment of Rs 5,000. The effectiveness of the relief package will depend on its implementation and the extent to which eligible farmers receive assistance.
The five constituencies cover graduates and teachers across different regions of Maharashtra. The elections are significant for the ruling and opposition alliances as they seek representation in the 78-member Legislative Council.
(With inputs from PTI)
