The Shiv Sena-Sambhajiraje merger has failed

Shiv Sena indicated in a veiled message on Monday that it will not back Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje running for Rajya Sabha as an independent candidate. The party, which had previously stated that it would consider Sambhajiraje's nomination if he joined Sena, has announced that it will field a second nominee for the June 10 poll.

 

Party MP Sanjay Raut expressed confidence in winning both seats, saying, "Shiv Sena would contest two Rajya Sabha seats, and it is not an offence." The party will not back an independent candidate." Shiv Sena has already nominated Raut for the Rajya Sabha for the fourth time in a row, while Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has informed party leaders that a Shiv Sainik will be nominated for the second seat. Sena is counting on its excess votes, as well as those of ruling partners NCP and Congress, as well as smaller parties and independents.

 

According to the party strength in the 288-member assembly, the NCP and Congress will each win one seat, while the BJP will gain two. Sena will easily win one seat but may have to compete for the second if Sambhajiraje keeps to his resolve to run as an independent. Sambhajiraje skipped the meeting with CM Thackeray and left for Kolhapur, prompting Raut's announcement.

 

Sambhajiraje has informed Sena and Thackeray that he will not officially join the Shiv Sena but expects his Maha Vikas Aghadi partners to support his Rajya Sabha nomination. In 2017, during the BJP-led government at the Centre, the President of India nominated Sambhajiraje for the Rajya Sabha. His term will end in July.

 

 

Image Courtesy: Twitter @fpjindia