Nashik MLC polls: 8 nomination forms sold on Day 1; seat-sharing deadlock persists

Nashik: The filing of nominations for the Nashik MLC elections began on Monday following the issuance of the official notification, with five aspirants purchasing a total of eight nomination forms on the opening day. No candidate, however, filed nomination papers, officials said.Among those who collected forms was NAFED director Keda Aher, brother of BJP MLA Dr Rahul Aher, a development that has intensified political activity and heightened competition among aspirants across parties.With the election process now underway, the district collector, who is also the returning officer, has set up a dedicated election cell at the central hall of the collectorate. Officials and staff have been deployed to oversee the sale and acceptance of nomination forms and assist prospective candidates.According to election officials, Keda Aher, Firoz Gaffar Shaikh, Pratik Prabhakar Kharate and Ajit Hiraman Pawar purchased one nomination form each by 3pm, while Sachin Suryakant Saskar bought four forms, taking the total number sold to eight. Former MLC Narendrasinh Darade also visited the election cell to gather information about the nomination process.Even as the process has commenced, uncertainty continues over seat-sharing arrangements among ruling Mahayuti allies. A final decision on seat allocation is yet to be announced, though party sources indicated that clarity is expected within the next couple of days.Polling for 16 MLC seats across Maharashtra — including Nashik, Jalgaon and Ahilyanagar — is scheduled for June 18, while counting will take place on June 22. Scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted on June 2, and June 4 is the last date for withdrawal of nominations.Political circles are abuzz with speculation that the Nashik seat may be allotted to the BJP in exchange for Jalgaon, triggering intense lobbying within the party. Aspirants are reportedly making frequent visits to Mumbai and Jalgaon to strengthen their claims.Shiv Sena leaders have also reached Mumbai to meet deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, while local NCP functionaries are expected to meet deputy chief minister Sunetra Pawar to push for their party’s candidature.With more than a dozen aspirants in the BJP fray, including Ganesh Gite and Nilesh Bora, Keda Aher’s entry has added a fresh dimension to the contest. Political observers say Aher could even emerge as an Independent candidate, with indications that the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is in touch with him.