MLC polls: Shiv Sena likely to retain Nashik seat, may cede Sambhajinagar to BJP

Nashik: With the nomination process already underway, the Mahayuti alliance is yet to arrive at a final seat-sharing formula for the upcoming legislative council (MLC) polls, as both Shiv Sena and BJP continue to stake claim to the Nashik seat.Sources, however, indicated that the deadlock may soon be resolved, with Shiv Sena likely to retain the Nashik seat while conceding the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar seat to the BJP as part of a broader adjustment.Shiv Sena has remained firm on contesting the Nashik seat, citing its sitting representation. The seat was earlier held by Sena’s Narendra Darade, strengthening the party’s claim. In contrast, the Sambhajinagar seat was held by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve.Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said that discussions on seat-sharing among Mahayuti partners have reached near consensus, with only two to three seats still under negotiation.“We wanted Shiv Sena to give up one of the two seats — either Nashik or Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar — and we have insisted on it. The NCP has demanded the Pune seat,” Fadnavis told reporters.Shiv Sena sources further said the party has also staked claim to the Jalgaon seat, which was previously held by the BJP. Earlier, speculation suggested a possible swap of Nashik and Jalgaon seats between the two allies, but sources now indicate that Sena is set to hold on to Nashik, while the Sambhajinagar seat may go to BJP.Meanwhile, the Nashik seat has drawn interest from other quarters as well. A group of local MLAs recently met NCP leader Sunetra Pawar in Mumbai, urging her to consider the party’s claim for the constituency.Polling for 16 MLC seats across Maharashtra, including Nashik, Jalgaon and Ahilyanagar, is scheduled for June 18, with counting to be held on June 22. Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on June 2, while June 4 has been set as the last date for withdrawal of nominations.