Of the seven new MLCs, the BJP has nominated three, while Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP have two members each

The governor can appoint 12 candidates as MLCs with a tenure of six years, and they are appointed from different walks of life

On Monday, the state cabinet cleared seven out of 12 names and received approval from Governor C P Radhakrishnan. The remaining five posts are left vacant

Shinde rehabilitated former Lok Sabha MP Hemant Patil and former MLC Manisha Kayande, while the BJP chose Dharmaguru Babusingh Maharaj Rathod, Chitra Wagh, and Vikrant Patil

Rathod heads Washim-based Poharadevi Sansthan, a prominent organisation of the Gor Banjara community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the same temple a few weeks back

Wagh is the state president of the saffron party's women's wing, and Vikrant Patil is the state general secretary

The NCP chose Pankaj Bhujbal, the son of state cabinet minister Chhagan Bhujbal, and former mayor Sangli, Miraj Kupwad municipal corporation Idris Naikwadi

Earlier in the day, the state government informed the Bombay High Court that there was no impediment in the appointment of seven MLCs

The total capacity of the Maharashtra legislative council is 78