Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray has demanded that the voting time for the Maharashtra Legislative Council Polls be extended by an hour due to heavy rains in Mumbai. With 222 MLAs already casting their votes by 12 pm, the elections have gained momentum as 12 candidates are vying for the 11 seats in the council. The Congress, the NCP (SP) and the Shiv Sena (UBT) are allies in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, and have issued a directive for party MLAs to vote for MVA candidates, making the outcome of the elections crucial for all parties involved.
Maharashtra Legislative Council Polls: Shiv Sena Demands Extension of Voting Time Amid Heavy Rains
Background:
The Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) is the upper house of the state legislature. Currently, 11 seats in the council are up for grabs. The elections were originally scheduled to be held on December 10, but were postponed due to the death of Shiv Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray.
Current Situation:
On Friday, December 23, voting for the MLC polls began at 9 am. By 12 pm, over 222 MLAs had cast their votes. However, due to heavy rains in Mumbai, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray demanded that the voting time be extended by an hour.
Political Dynamics:
The elections have gained momentum, with 12 candidates vying for the 11 seats. The main contenders include:
The MVA alliance has urged all party MLAs to vote for its candidates, making the outcome of the election crucial for all involved parties.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Why are the MLC polls important?
The MLC polls are significant as the upper house can influence the passing of laws and the decision-making process of the state government.
2. What are the main issues in the election?
The main issues include political power, development, and representation of various regions and communities.
3. Who are the key candidates?
The key candidates include NCP's Sachin Ahir, Congress's Sanjay Dutt, and Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Anil Parab.
4. What is the current vote count?
As of noon on Friday, the MVA alliance had secured 121 votes, while the BJP had received 100 votes.
5. What will be the impact of the election results?
The outcome of the election will indicate the strength of different political parties in Maharashtra and could affect future alliances and power dynamics.
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