The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) formally announced Sharad Pawar as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, potentially setting the stage for an unopposed contest.
MVA Agreement Reached After Internal Debate
The decision by the Congress central leadership came after Shiv Sena (UBT) declined to support a joint alignment proposal for a single candidate. According to Congress sources, this refusal prompted the party to back Mr. Pawar’s candidacy. The MVA will now support Uddhav Thackeray in his bid for a seat in the upcoming Legislative Council election.
Numbers and Negotiations
A total of 36 votes are required to secure a seat in the Rajya Sabha in Maharashtra. Within the MVA, Shiv Sena (UBT) holds 20 MLA seats, Congress has 16, and the NCP (SP) has 10. Had Shiv Sena (UBT) supported the Congress, the MVA could have fielded a candidate, but Uddhav Thackeray did not respond to the proposal, according to a senior Congress leader.
Several Congress leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, as the party did not secure either the Rajya Sabha or the Maharashtra Legislative Council seat.
An ‘Emotional’ Decision
Leaders from both the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) described the decision as having taken an emotional turn, citing Mr. Pawar’s seniority and health. Sources stated that supporting Mr. Pawar was seen as crucial to avoid sending a negative message to other allies, and that Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi ultimately decided to support him as a leader of the INDIA bloc.
BJP Announces Candidates
The BJP announced four candidates on Wednesday: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, senior leader Vinod Tawde, Maya Invate, and Ramrao Wadkute. BJP sources had previously indicated they would not field more than four candidates if Mr. Pawar was nominated by the MVA.
Supriya Sule expressed gratitude for the support from the Congress, state leaders, Uddhav Thackeray, and his party. Maharashtra Congress president Harshawardhan Sapkal stated that Mr. Pawar’s election to the Rajya Sabha is a positive sign for the MVA’s continued opposition to the BJP.
Meanwhile, Parth Pawar, the grandnephew of Sharad Pawar and son of the late Ajit Pawar, is set to file his nomination on Thursday, March 5, 2026, as the NCP candidate from the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena is expected to finalize its candidate on the same day, the last day for filing nominations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Congress to support Sharad Pawar’s candidacy?
The Congress central leadership decided to support Mr. Pawar after Shiv Sena (UBT) refused to consider a joint alignment proposal for a single candidate, according to Congress sources.
How many seats does each party hold within the MVA?
Shiv Sena (UBT) holds 20 MLA seats, Congress has 16, and the NCP (SP) has 10.
What is the BJP’s response to the MVA’s decision?
The BJP announced four candidates for the Rajya Sabha election: Ramdas Athawale, Vinod Tawde, Maya Invate, and Ramrao Wadkute.
What impact will this outcome have on the future of the MVA alliance?
