Mumbai, March 4 (NationPress) Following extensive discussions, the Congress party has officially declared its endorsement of former Union Minister and NCP-SP leader Sharad Pawar for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections, set for March 16. This announcement was revealed during a press briefing by state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal, who was joined by NCP-SP working president Supriya Sule, Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, and party legislator Satej Patil. The Congress's decision is pivotal, as the deadline for nominations is March 5.

Sapkal stated, "The Congress party has resolved to back a seasoned leader like Sharad Pawar in the Rajya Sabha election, prioritizing collective goals of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) or the INDIA bloc over individual party interests. This aims to fortify our unified efforts against the BJP."

He added that the Congress anticipates a reciprocal agreement for the upcoming Legislative Council elections in April. If the Congress supports the NCP-SP in the Rajya Sabha election, they will seek specific seats in the Legislative Council to maintain party balance.

Wadettiwar mentioned that the Congress High Command has given the "green light" for Sharad Pawar's candidacy as the MVA nominee. The central leadership has instructed state Congress leaders to provide full support to the experienced leader.

Addressing the party's earlier position, Wadettiwar explained that, as a national party, the state unit initially pushed for contesting the Rajya Sabha seat independently.

"We had suggested that Congress should run for the Rajya Sabha seat while Uddhav Thackeray’s party, the Shiv Sena (UBT), should aim for the Legislative Council seat. This demand was communicated to our High Command," he explained.

However, the political dynamics altered after several leaders from the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) engaged with the central leadership in Delhi. Additionally, Supriya Sule had discussions with the Congress state leadership and maintained coordination with Uddhav Thackeray.

"Sharad Pawar is a distinguished leader and the head of the NCP (SP). As proponents of 'Aghadi Dharma' (alliance ethics), our main objective is to ensure the unity and strength of the Maha Vikas Aghadi. Hence, our High Command—comprising Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi—has opted to support Sharad Pawar for the Rajya Sabha position," Wadettiwar added.

Previously, the Congress had indicated a desire to contest the Rajya Sabha election.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut, spokesperson and MP for Shiv Sena (UBT), hinted at support through a post on X, stating, "The MVA remains united, confirming Sharad Pawar as the MVA’s Rajya Sabha candidate."

Nevertheless, no formal announcement has emerged from Shiv Sena (UBT) regarding its support for Sharad Pawar, as the party continues to assert its claim to the Rajya Sabha seat.

The Congress party’s announcement comes shortly after the BJP revealed nominations for Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, party general secretary Vinod Tawde, tribal leader and former Mayor of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation Maya Chintaman Ivnate, and Ramrao Wadkute, who represents the Dhangar community from Hingoli.

The ruling Mahayuti alliance commands 233 members in the state Assembly—131 from the Bharatiya Janata Party, 57 from the Shiv Sena, and 40 from the NCP—and is poised to secure six seats with the backing of smaller parties and independents, totaling nine.

The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) comprises 46 members—20 from Shiv Sena (UBT), 16 from Congress, and 10 from NCP (SP)—and can realistically secure only one seat.