The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) on Thursday urged Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to contest the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, while ally Congress said a final call would be taken collectively by all three constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
Supriya Sule pitches for Thackeray’s candidature
NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule publicly appealed to Thackeray to enter the fray for what is considered the opposition’s only winnable seat in the council polls scheduled next month. She described him as a seasoned leader whose experience would benefit both governance and legislative functioning.
महाराष्ट्रात विधानपरिषदेची निवडणूक होऊ घातलेली आहे. ही निवडणूक राज्याचे माजी मुख्यमंत्री मा. उद्धवजी ठाकरे यांनीच लढावी अशी राष्ट्रवादी काँग्रेस पार्टी शरदचंद्र पवार पक्षाची आग्रहाची विनंती आहे. उद्धवजी हे राज्यातील ज्येष्ठ व अनुभवी नेते आहेत. त्यांच्या अनुभवाचा राज्याला तसेच…
— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) April 23, 2026
In her statement, Sule emphasised that Thackeray’s continued presence in the Upper House would help guide the state during a politically challenging phase.
Congress stresses consensus within alliance
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal met Thackeray at his residence ‘Matoshree’ in Mumbai. Following the meeting, Sapkal reiterated that while there is support for Thackeray’s candidature, the decision will ultimately be taken through discussions among all three MVA partners.
He noted that Thackeray remains the face of the alliance and that his participation in the council elections would be welcomed by supporters. However, Sapkal made it clear that the Congress is also interested in contesting the polls, indicating potential negotiations within the alliance.
Key retirements ahead of council elections
The upcoming elections have gained importance as nine members of the Legislative Council, including Uddhav Thackeray and deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe, are set to retire on May 13. According to the Election Commission of India, polling will be held on May 12, with the nomination process running from April 23 to April 30.
Thackeray had become a member of the Legislative Council in May 2020, months after taking oath as Chief Minister in November 2019.
Limited opportunities for opposition
Given the current strength of parties in the Maharashtra Assembly, the ruling Mahayuti alliance – comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena, and NCP – is expected to dominate the elections. The alliance is likely to secure the majority of seats, leaving the MVA with only one realistic chance of victory.
The BJP has already announced its intention to contest four of the available seats, further tightening the electoral arithmetic.
MVA to decide strategy amid political challenges
Sapkal said discussions with Thackeray also covered the broader political situation and future challenges facing the opposition alliance. He stressed that all decisions, including candidature for the council polls, would be taken in a “cordial atmosphere” after detailed consultations.
As the nomination window opens, the focus now shifts to whether the MVA can arrive at a consensus candidate quickly, with Thackeray emerging as a strong contender for the lone seat the opposition is expected to win.
