NAGPUR: In a setback of sorts for Shiv Sena led by deputy CM Ekanth Shinde, BJP MLC Ram Shinde on Tuesday announced that he will file nomination for election to chairperson of the legislative council on Wednesday. The election will take place on Dec 19.
There was a tussle over the post between Sena and BJP. Sena's Neelam Gorhe, who is currently deputy chairperson, was said to be in the race. BJP members said the party is keen on bagging the post & didn't want to give it to Sena. BJP's Rahul Narwekar has already been elected as Speaker, unopposed, in the assembly, so if Ram Shinde is elected, both Houses will have a BJP politician in-charge.
Council chairperson's post is vacant since July 2022 after the tenure of NCP's Ramraje Nimbalkar ended. Thanking PM Modi, Ram Shinde said, "I will be filing my nomination papers tomorrow morning at 10 am at Vidhan Bhavan, Nagpur."
Election to the post was not held earlier as Shiv Sena and NCP were split in 2022 and 2023, respectively. BJP has a majority in the council. Sources said BJP has picked Ram Shinde for the job as he is from Dhangar community. He was MLA from Karjat-Jamkhed but was defeated by NCP's (SP) Rohit Pawar in 2019 and 2024.
Sena UBT MLC Anil Parab Tuesday asked if MLCs against whom disqualification petitions are pending and a case is pending in SC can still be eligible for becoming chairperson. Gorhe said she will pass a ruling on the query.