Nashik: The Shiv Sena (UBT) is expected to abstain from voting in the upcoming Nashik legislative council (MLC) elections scheduled for June 18. The party has decided not to extend support to any independent candidates or those from other alliances.
Party Leadership's Decision
According to party insiders, Uddhav Thackeray, the chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), has issued clear directives to local leaders regarding this stance. Although the Nashik seat was allocated to the party under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) seat-sharing arrangement, the party ultimately chose not to field a candidate.
The Nashik seat had been earmarked for Shiv Sena (UBT). Despite initial interest from prominent leaders such as former MLA Vasant Gite and Anil Kadam, both of whom had obtained nomination forms, the party withdrew from the contest on the final day of filing nominations.
Reasons for Withdrawal
During a visit to Nashik on Monday, Ravindra Merlikar, the party's deputy leader and district sampark pramukh, explained that the decision was made after a thorough assessment of the political landscape surrounding the elections. He highlighted concerns over alleged horse-trading during council elections as a key factor behind the party's withdrawal. Detailed reports on the electoral scenario were submitted to Uddhav Thackeray before the final decision was made, Merlikar added.
He further stated that the party leadership had initially considered supporting an MVA-backed candidate. However, in the absence of such a candidate in the fray, the party has resolved to abstain from voting altogether. The party has clarified that it will not back independents or candidates from rival alliances.
Political Implications
In the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the Nashik seat had been a point of contention between the BJP and Shiv Sena. Eventually, as part of an understanding, Shiv Sena ceded the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar seat to the BJP in order to retain Nashik. Political analysts suggest that UBT's decision to abstain could indirectly benefit the Shiv Sena candidate Narendra Darade, particularly if rebel candidates from the BJP enter the contest.
Voter Composition
A total of 622 eligible voters, comprising elected representatives, will participate in the election. The BJP holds the largest share with 190 voters, followed by Shiv Sena with 171, NCP with 107, Shiv Sena (UBT) with 45, and Congress with 13, among others.
