Shiv Sena (UBT) Refuses To Leave RS Seat For Sharad Pawar

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) appears reluctant to cede the Rajya Sabha seat to Sharad Pawar, signaling potential infighting within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) ahead of the upcoming elections. Aaditya Thackeray and Varun Sardesai on Friday argued that although Mr. Pawar is a “tall leader”, it is equally important for the Shiv Sena (UBT) to maintain its own voice in national politics. Sources stated that the younger Thackeray is keen on securing his seat in the Rajya Sabha for Priyanka Chaturvedi. Based on their current strength in the Maharashtra Assembly, MVA constituents are in a position to win only one of the seven Rajya Sabha seats in the state.

Elections will be held in Maharashtra on March 16 for the seven Rajya Sabha seats that fall vacant in April. Given Mahayuti’s numerical strength, six of the seven seats are expected to go to the ruling alliance, leaving only one seat for the MVA. The opposition alliance can only secure this single seat if all constituent parties remain united and maintain coordination.

Shiv Sena (UBT) has 20 MLAs, while Congress and NCP (SP) have 16 and 10 MLAs respectively. A candidate needs to get 36 votes to win a Rajya Sabha seat.

Of the seven MPs who retired in April, two belong to Mr. Pawar’s party; Mr Pawar himself and Fauzia Khan. Considering the party’s current power in the Parliament, it will be difficult to get even a single candidate elected on its own.

But Mr Thackeray has made it clear that his party will not give up its claim. “We are not discussing any individual here. Sharad Pawar is a brave person and we have utmost respect for him. However, I am expressing my party’s stand and protecting its interests. Even according to the principles accepted by MVA, we have the first claim on the Rajya Sabha seat,” he said.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader reminded that in 2020, the Shiv Sena (then undivided) would field two candidates but left one seat to Ms Khan on the NCP’s request. In 2022, the party’s second candidate Sanjay Pawar lost due to cross-voting. In 2024, Chandrakant Handore was the only MVA candidate. “According to the current strength, Shiv Sena (UBT) is the largest party in MVA and hence holds the first claim. If we start relinquishing seats to big names, tomorrow Congress may propose the name of another strong name. We should not disrupt MVA’s understanding. We have two Rajya Sabha MPs and this should continue. Shiv Sena’s voice at the national level is also important,” he said.

Echoing this view, Mr. Sardesai said the party would not give up its claim even if Mr. Pawar chooses to appeal. “Our numbers are higher compared to the numerical strength. If our MP completes his term, his replacement should be our party. Sharad Pawar is a senior leader, but even if he is interested and his candidature is discussed within his party and MVA, we will not give up our claim on the Rajya Sabha seat,” he said.