BJP picks caste-balanced panel for Rajya Sabha in Maharashtra

NCP leader Sharad Pawar. File pic

In a calibrated move ahead of the Rajya Sabha biennial elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday announced four candidates from Maharashtra, reflecting a classic social combination. The party has nominated candidates to ensure community representation across key segments.

Parth Pawar is set to file his nomination as the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) nominee. Pic/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

Meanwhile, within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), internal discussions have reportedly narrowed to senior NCP leader Sharad Pawar as the alliance's likely sole candidate. The MVA, which had fielded four candidates earlier, can now put up only one due to reduced strength in the state legislature.

In the Mahayuti camp, Parth Pawar is set to file his nomination as the NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) nominee.

BJP's Maharashtra candidates

Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State (right) BJP's National General Secretary, Vinod Tawde

Vinod Tawde
Maratha community
Ramdas Athawale Scheduled Caste
Maya Chintaman Ivnate Scheduled Tribe
Ramrao Wadkute
Dhangar community

Former Mayor of Nagpur, Mayatai Ivnate (right) Former Member of the Legislative Council, Ramrao Wadkute. Pic/X/@AshokChavan1958

Why elections?
>> 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states going to polls
>> 7 seats from Maharashtra
>> Tenure of sitting members ending

Poll Schedule
>> Notification issued: February 26
>> Last date for nominations: March 5
>> Scrutiny: March 6
>> Withdrawal deadline: March 9
>> Voting (if required): March 16

Mahayuti seat sharing
>> BJP - 4 candidates
>> Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) - 1 seat
>> NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) - 1 seat
>> Parth Pawar is expected to contest

Feb 26
Day the Election Commission issued a notification for polls