Maharashtra MLC polls: Lessons for the BJP, hope for Maha Vikas Aghadi | Explained

Polling officials handle ballot papers during the counting of votes for the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) election, in Nagpur. File | Photo Credit: PTI Maharashtra’s MLC election results have proven to be a setback for the ruling Mahayuti for the goals it had set for itself. The results have led to an open rift between alliance partners who were already dismayed since the time of seat distribution, which they had termed as “unfair”. Allies were upset about the BJP’s arrogant and dominant attitude.The party itself could not get its act together while mobilising voters in its strongholds. The disillusionment among party cadres, the rebellion among its candidates, only worsened the scenario for the BJP. But the election gave a ray of hope to the Maha Vikas Aghadi after the opposition alliance won three of the five seats. Sharad Pawar’s NCP SP was the star performer. The party won two of the two seats it contested, the highest number won by any political party in these elections. The Congress, which had won two of the five seats in the 2020 polls, won only one this time. Published - October 30, 2026 07:34 am IST