UBT likely abstain from voting in Nashik MLC polls

Nashik: Shiv Sena (UBT) is likely to abstain from voting in the June 18 Nashik legislative council (MLC) elections and will not extend support to any independent or other candidates.According to party sources, UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray has issued instructions to local leaders in this regard. Although the Nashik seat was allocated to Shiv Sena (UBT) under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) seat-sharing arrangement, the party eventually decided not to field a candidate.Nashik seat was earmarked for Shiv Sena (UBT). Despite initial interest from leaders such as former MLA Vasant Gite and Anil Kadam—both of whom had bought nomination forms—the party withdrew from the contest on the last day of filing nominations.During a visit to Nashik on Monday, the party deputy leader and district sampark pramukh Ravindra Merlikar said the decision was taken after assessing the political situation surrounding the polls. He cited concerns over alleged horse-trading during council elections as a key reason behind the party’s withdrawal. Detailed reports on the electoral scenario were also submitted to Uddhav Thackeray before the final call was taken, said Merlikar.He further said the party leadership had initially suggested supporting an MVA-backed candidate. However, in the absence of such a candidate in the fray, the party has decided to abstain from voting altogether, while maintaining that it will not back independents or candidates from rival alliances.In the ruling Mahayuti alliance, the Nashik seat had witnessed a tussle between BJP and Shiv Sena. Eventually, as part of an understanding, Shiv Sena ceded the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar seat to BJP in order to retain Nashik. Political observers said UBT’s decision to abstain could indirectly benefit the Shiv Sena candidate Narendra Darade, particularly if rebel candidates from BJP enter the contest.A total of 622 eligible voters, comprising elected representatives, will participate in the election. BJP accounts for the largest share with 190 voters, followed by Shiv Sena with 171, NCP with 107, Shiv Sena (UBT) with 45, and Congress with 13, among others.