Backed by the ruling Mahayuti alliance, Jain is widely expected to be elected unopposed. Senior NCP leaders said his extensive legislative and organisational experience made him the unanimous choice for the seat

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Sanjay Raut said leaders such as Chhagan Bhujbal, Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, Hasan Mushrif and Dhananjay Munde would now be reconsidering their political decision