The much-awaited Maharashtra Legislative Council biennial election for 11 seats concluded on Friday after 274 Assembly members cast their votes. A total of 12 candidates are in the fray, with a winning quota of 23. The ruling MahaYuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi have taken precautions to prevent cross-voting, such as keeping legislators in five-star hotels and bringing them to the legislature in special buses. The BJP, Shiv Sena, NCP, and Congress have fielded their nominees, with BJP and Shiv Sena confident in the victory of their candidates given their respective legislative support.
Maharashtra Legislative Council Elections: A Battle for Legislative Supremacy
Background
The Maharashtra Legislative Council, the upper house of the state legislature, plays a crucial role in reviewing and passing laws, as well as providing a platform for debate and discussion. The biennial elections to fill 11 seats in the council were held on Friday, December 10, 2021.
Candidates and Parties
A total of 12 candidates from various parties contested the elections:
Vote Count and Results
A total of 274 Assembly members cast their votes in the elections. The winning quota was set at 23. As of the latest reports, the results are yet to be declared.
Strategies to Prevent Cross-Voting
To prevent cross-voting, the ruling MahaYuti (BJP and Shiv Sena) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (NCP, Congress, and Shiv Sena) have implemented strict measures:
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the significance of the Legislative Council elections? The Legislative Council provides a forum for debate, reviews laws, and plays a role in shaping state policies.
2. Why are these elections being closely watched? The outcome of the elections will determine the balance of power in the Legislative Council, potentially influencing future legislation and political dynamics in the state.
3. How does the voting system work? Members of the Legislative Assembly cast single transferable votes, and candidates who receive the required winning quota are elected.
4. What are the key issues being discussed in the elections? Candidates are focusing on issues such as farmers' welfare, infrastructure development, and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. What has been the history of Legislative Council elections in Maharashtra? In the past, elections have been competitive, with various parties vying for control of the upper house. The BJP and Shiv Sena have traditionally performed well in these elections.
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