Sena UBT stakes claim to Rajya Sabha, council seats MVA can win
Times of India
by PTIFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The battle for Maharashtra’s limited opposition seats has heated up as Sena UBT's Aaditya Thackeray has made a strong claim for his party’s stake in the upcoming Rajya Sabha and legislative council polls. With the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which includes Congress and NCP(SP), facing potential challenges, Thackeray pointed out that Sena UBT’s current strength in the assembly gives them an edge. The 288-member Maharashtra assembly currently has 20 MLAs from Sena UBT, followed by 16 from Congress and 10 from NCP(SP). This arithmetic advantage suggests that Sena UBT is well-positioned to secure the lone winnable RS seat within the MVA alliance.
The Election Commission (EC) is set to notify polls for seven Rajya Sabha seats on February 26, with elections scheduled for March 16. Among the notable members whose terms are expiring is NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar, who has indicated his intent to seek re-election. Given that RS members are elected by MLAs, the Mahayuti coalition’s strength is likely to secure six out of seven seats in Maharashtra. This strategic maneuvering highlights the intense competition within the MVA alliance, with Sena UBT emerging as a key player.
The significance of this political tussle lies in its broader implications for India’s regional politics. Maharashtra’s assembly dynamics and the shifting alliances within the MVA reflect the complexities of coalition governance in India. As the polls approach, the outcome will not only shape the state’s political landscape but also set precedents for other regions grappling with similar challenges. The battle
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026