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BJP picks caste-balanced panel for Rajya Sabha in Maharashtra

Updated on: 05 March,2026 09:03 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Sanjeev Shivadekar | sanjeev.shivadekar@mid-day.com

Tawde, Athawale, Ivnate, and Wadkute are among four candidates as biennial polls near; Sharad Pawar likely MVA nominee, Parth Pawar to file papers

BJP picks caste-balanced panel for Rajya Sabha in Maharashtra

NCP leader Sharad Pawar. File pic

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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
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
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
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

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Rajya Sabha bharatiya janata party ajit pawar sharad pawar ramdas athawale vinod tawde mumbai mumbai news

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