MVA backs Sharad Pawar for Rajya Sabha, unopposed election seemingly, BJP declares record of 4

Ending days of uncertainty in Maharashtra, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Wednesday (March 4, 2026) formally introduced Sharad Pawar as its sole candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election, elevating the potential for an unopposed contest within the State.

The Congress central management determined in favour of Mr. Pawar’s candidature, giving up by itself declare and standing in opposition to Shiv Sena (UBT)’s demand. “The choice follows Shiv Sena (UBT)’s refusal to take a stand on the Congress’ proposal for (a joint) alignment between the 2 events (Congress and Shiv Sena UBT) for one candidate,” Congress sources advised The Hindu.

“The MVA will now assist Uddhav Thackeray for his second bid within the upcoming Legislative Council election,” a senior Congress chief and a Shiv Sena (UBT) chief confirmed.

Numbers and negotiations

For the Rajya Sabha seat, the election quota in Maharashtra stands at 36 votes. Throughout the MVA, Shiv Sena (UBT) is the biggest get together with 20 MLAs, adopted by Congress with 16 MLAs, and the NCP (SP) with 10. “Had the Shiv Sena (UBT) supported the Congress, we nonetheless had the power to area one candidate. However Uddhav Thackeray didn’t reply to our proposal,” a senior Congress chief mentioned on situation of anonymity.

A number of State Congress leaders expressed displeasure over the get together not securing both the Rajya Sabha seat or the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council berth.

All three MVA constituents had initially staked declare to the Rajya Sabha candidature. Congress argued that, as a nationwide get together, it wanted a higher presence within the Rajya Sabha to strengthen its Chief of the Opposition place. Shiv Sena (UBT) maintained that as the only largest opposition get together in Maharashtra and given the alliance’s precept of rotation, its declare was legitimate. The NCP (SP), in the meantime, contended that Mr. Pawar’s stature would guarantee an unopposed election.

Emotional subject

Leaders from the Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) described the matter as having taken an emotional flip, with neither get together eager to look unsupportive of Mr. Pawar. “He’s a senior chief and unwell. He desires to be within the Rajya Sabha. Supriya Sule (Mr. Pawar’s daughter), too, had been involved about him. At such a juncture, not supporting him would have despatched a flawed message to different allies. Mallikarjun Kharge ji and Sonia Gandhi ji determined that because the chief of the INDIA bloc, we should assist him,” the sources mentioned.

Remark: How one seat will check the MVA’s unity

On Tuesday (March 3, 2026) night time, NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, together with State president Jayant Patil, met Uddhav Thackeray for over two hours to debate the difficulty.

BJP stance

BJP sources had earlier indicated that the get together wouldn’t area greater than 4 candidates if Mr. Pawar have been declared the MVA candidate. On Wednesday (March 4, 2026), the BJP introduced 4 candidates: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, senior chief Vinod Tawde, Maya Invate and Ramrao Wadkute.

“I thank the Congress central management, State leaders, Uddhav Thackeray and his get together and household for his or her assist. We’re really grateful,” Ms. Sule mentioned.

“The MVA will proceed its combat in opposition to the BJP. Sharad Pawar going to the Rajya Sabha is an efficient indication,” Maharashtra Congress president Harshawardhan Sapkal mentioned.

In the meantime, Sharad Pawar’s grandnephew Parth Pawar is about to file his nomination on Thursday (March 5, 2026) because the NCP candidate from the ruling Mahayuti alliance. He’s the son of the late NCP chief and Sharad Pawar’s nephew Ajit Pawar, who was the Deputy Chief Minister when he died in a tragic air accident in January. Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena is predicted to finalise its candidate on Thursday (March 5, 2026), the final day for submitting nominations.