Nashik MLC Poll Held After Two-Year Delay; Mahayuti's Darade Favoured

Voting for the Maharashtra Legislative Council member from Nashik Local Authorities Constituency took place on Thursday, following a delay of more than two years. The election will result in the district getting its third MLC. Shiv Sena candidate Narendra Darade, the official Mahayuti alliance nominee, emerged as the frontrunner due to last-minute unity within the coalition and a divided opposition.

Initially, BJP leaders Ganesh Gite and Prasad Hire, along with independent Gokul Gite, filed nominations, complicating matters for Darade. All three eventually withdrew, though Prasad Hire and Gokul Gite withdrew after the deadline, keeping their names on the ballot. The Mahayuti alliance stationed corporators from its constituent parties at resorts in Thane and Bhiwandi to prevent cross-voting ahead of the election.