Mahayuti likely to win six MLC seats unopposed

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with BJP candidates as they file their nominations for the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections in Mumbai. File. | Photo Credit: X/@Dev_Fadnavis via PTI

Maharashtra witnessed high-voltage drama on the last day of nomination withdrawals for the legislative council polls scheduled for June 18. Candidates from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) withdrew their nominations from several seats, paving the way for six Mahayuti candidates to win unopposed.

With Mahayuti securing six seats out of 17, this is a major setback for the Opposition. The six unopposed seats are Pune, Thane, Wardha, Yavatmal, Solapur, and Ratnagiri.

On Thursday (June 4, 2026), Shiv Sena (UBT) Ratnagiri candidate Bal Mane arrived at the district collector’s office with Mahayuti Minister Nitesh Rane to withdraw his nomination. “He has served as an MLA and made the decision of his own volition. He knows the work Mahayuti is doing in the region.” With Bal Mane’s withdrawal, NCP candidate Aniket Tatkare is likely to win uncontested.

Former MP Vinayak Raut alleged that horse trading is involved and that 100% Bal Mane was managed. At least a 10 crore deal has happened. Bala Mane has been expelled from the Shiv Sena (UBT) for “anti-party activities”, informed Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on X.

On the Solapur MLC seat, the Opposition Congress candidate’s nomination was cancelled over technical issues, making way for the BJP alliance candidate Rajendra Raut. In the Yavatmal seat, Congress candidate Sahebrao Kamble withdrew his candidature, citing a lack of the votes required to win.

NCP Sharad Pawar’s candidate from Pune, Shrikant Patil, has also withdrawn his candidature. He said, “Sharad Pawar informed me that DCM Sunetra Pawar has requested him to withdraw. He left it to me whether to contest. No horse trading is involved in this.” This clears the way for NCP candidate Vikram Kakade to be elected unopposed.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is to hold elections