BJP, Allies Sweep Maharashtra Legislative Council Poll, Win 9 Of 11 Seats

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra - consisting of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and the NCP of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, in addition to the saffron party - bounced back from a disappointing result in the general election by registering a big win in MLC polls.

The BJP fielded five candidates, including Pankaja Munde, the daughter of late senior leader Gopinath Munde. All five won. The Shinde Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP named two each. All four won.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi - the Congress, and Sena and NCP factions (broken after rebellions by Mr Shinde and Mr Pawar) led Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar - fielded three.

The MLC election is being seen as a 'semi final' for the Maharashtra Assembly election later this year.

BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was quick to celebrate, posting a brief message on X (formerly Twitter). "9/9," he said, adding a thumbs-up emoji for effect.

9/9

Read Original