No deadlock in Rajya Sabha; Shiv Sena (UBT) set to contest seat: Aaditya Thackeray

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. File Pic

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Monday said there is no deadlock in discussions over Rajya Sabha Election 2026, with all parties maintaining open communication.

He added that the INDIA bloc has submitted its claim, stating that, both numerically and in line with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) rotation policy, the seat should be contested by Shiv Sena (UBT).

Parth Pawar gets NCP ticket for Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by the Ajit Pawar faction has nominated Parth Pawar as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections scheduled on March 16.

The announcement was made by party working president Praful Patel during a high-level national executive meeting last week.

Parth Pawar, son of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, is expected to secure a six-year term in the Upper House, given the party's legislative strength in the Maharashtra Assembly.

The required vote quota for election is 37, while the party currently has 40 MLAs, making his victory highly likely.

Decision taken unanimously by core committee

Patel said the decision to field Parth Pawar was taken unanimously by the party's core leadership, which includes senior leaders such as Chhagan Bhujbal, Sunil Tatkare, Hasan Mushrif, Dhananjay Munde, and Dilip Walse Patil.

He added that the party leadership is fully united behind the nomination, signalling a strategic move amid ongoing organisational changes within the faction.

Patel said 37 votes were required for the win and that the party had the support of 40 MLAs, expressing confidence that all of them would unanimously vote for Parth Pawar.

Sunetra Pawar appointed national president

In a key development, the party last week confirmed the appointment of Sunetra Pawar as the national president of the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction).

Her elevation comes following the demise of Ajit Pawar and marks a significant shift in the party's leadership structure.

Addressing party workers, Sunetra Pawar reiterated her commitment to carrying forward Ajit Pawar's political vision and organisational legacy.