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Congress Backs Sharad Pawar for Rajya Sabha, MVA Unity Ahead of Polls

Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar announced the party will support NCP leader Sharad Pawar for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The decision follows a directive from the Congress high command and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, emphasizing adherence to Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance ethics. The Election Commission has scheduled the biennial polls for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states. Voting is set for March 16, with results expected the same evening.

Key Points: Congress to Support Sharad Pawar for Rajya Sabha Seat

  • Congress supports Sharad Pawar for Rajya Sabha
  • Decision follows MVA alliance ethics
  • High command and Kharge directed the move
  • Rajya Sabha polls for 37 seats set for March 16
2 min read

"Congress to support Sharad Pawar for Rajya Sabha seat': Vijay Wadettiwar ahead of RS polls

Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar says party will back NCP's Sharad Pawar for Rajya Sabha, following high command and Mallikarjun Kharge's decision.

"Our high command has decided to support Pawar Saheb. - Vijay Wadettiwar"

Mumbai, March 4

Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar on Wednesday said the party will support Sharad Pawar for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, following a call from high command and Mallikarjun Kharge.

He added that while Congress had initially claimed the seat, coordination with NCP and adherence to Maha Vikas Aghadi ethics led to backing Pawar, reflecting unity among alliance partners ahead of crucial elections.

Speaking to the reporters, Wadettiwar said, "We had claimed the Rajya Sabha seat because our party is a national party. There was a strong demand for it. However, many leaders from the NCP Sharad Pawar faction contacted us and also reached out to Uddhav Thackeray. Among them, Sharad Pawar is the senior-most... We are abiding by the ethics of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Our high command has decided to support Pawar Saheb. We've received a call that Mallikarjun Kharge has decided that Pawar Saheb should be supported."

Earlier on Sunday, the Congress high command held a meeting at Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi's residence in New Delhi to discuss the selection of candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, sources said.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for the upcoming biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill the 37 seats across 10 states, as the members are set to complete their term in April 2026, a press note stated.

According to the press note, the term of 37 members who were elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will conclude in the month of April, vacating the seats for new members to be elected.

The notification will be issued on February 26, commencing the election process. The last date of nominations is March 5, followed by scrutiny on March 6. The candidates can withdraw their nominations till March 9.

The polling is scheduled to take place on March 16, with the counting of votes on the same day at 5 pm.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting move. Congress claiming the seat first but then stepping back shows the internal dynamics. It's crucial for opposition unity, but I hope it doesn't demotivate their own cadre who were expecting the ticket.
P
Priya S
Sharad Pawar is a veteran with immense experience. His presence in the Rajya Sabha will definitely benefit the MVA. Sometimes you have to put the alliance's interest above the party's immediate claim. Wise decision by Kharge ji.
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Aman W
Respectfully, this feels like Congress is always the one compromising in these alliances. They are a national party, as Wadettiwar said. They should assert themselves more. A strong Congress is needed for a strong opposition.
V
Vikram M
All this last-minute "high command" call business... The schedule was known. Couldn't this decision have been taken earlier through proper discussion? Shows a lack of clear strategy. Hope the polling on March 16 goes smoothly.
K
Kavya N
Pawar Saheb's political acumen is unmatched. He will be a formidable voice in the Upper House. This is a smart, long-term move by Congress to keep the alliance intact. Unity is the only way forward for the opposition. 👍

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