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All eyes on Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand, Mizoram
New Delhi: Voting is underway today for 12 seats of the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC), two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand, and one Rajya Sabha seat in Mizoram, setting the stage for key political contests that could reshape alliance equations in several states.
In Maharashtra, elections are being held for 12 of the 17 vacant Legislative Council seats. Five candidates from the ruling Mahayuti alliance have already secured victory unopposed, while the remaining seats are witnessing direct contests. With political stakes high, all major parties have mobilised their legislators and intensified efforts to ensure voting discipline.
Mahayuti Faces Test Amid Internal Differences
The ruling Mahayuti alliance - comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and the NCP - is considered to hold an advantage in the numbers game. However, reports of internal disagreements over certain seats have added an element of uncertainty to the contest. Political observers view the election as a key test of the alliance's cohesion ahead of future electoral battles in the state.
Three-Way Contest for Rajya Sabha Seats in Jharkhand
In Jharkhand, voting is being held for two Rajya Sabha seats, with three candidates in the fray, turning the election into a triangular contest. The outcome will largely depend on the numerical strength of political parties in the state Assembly and is being closely watched as a measure of alliance unity and legislative support.
Mizoram Rajya Sabha Election Draws Attention
Voting is also underway for Mizoram's lone Rajya Sabha seat. The ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) has fielded its spokesperson K. Laltaluangkima, while the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) has nominated advocate Jothansangi Hmar.
A notable feature of the election is the decision of both the BJP and Congress to abstain from voting. In the 40-member Mizoram Assembly, the ZPM holds 27 seats, the MNF has 10, while the BJP and Congress have two and one MLA respectively. Polling began at 9 a.m. and will continue until 4 p.m., with counting scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Assembly complex.
Political Equations Under Spotlight
The elections across Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Mizoram are being viewed as significant indicators of political strength and alliance management. While the Maharashtra MLC polls are a crucial test for the Mahayuti government, the Rajya Sabha contests in Jharkhand and Mizoram are expected to reveal the effectiveness of coalition arithmetic and party discipline. The results could have a bearing on future political alignments both at the state and national levels.
