Bharatiya Janata Party again played its card effectively in the elections of Maharashtra Legislative Council. As was expected the second preference votes would decide the fate of the tenth candidate. The counting of second preference votes is in progress, which would decide fate of Bhai Jagtap of Congress and Prasad Lad of BJP. Both have secured 17 first preference votes. The political game has relegated Congres candidate in difficult situation.
Shrikant Bharatiya and Ram Shinde of BJP got 30 first preference votes and have been declared elected. Pavin Darekar (29) and Uma Khapre (27) have also been elected by completing the quota of votes.
 Shiv Sena candidates Sachin Ahir and Amashya Padvi are elected by securing 26 votes each. Nationalist Congress Party ensured victory of Eknath Khadse (29) and Ram Raje Nimbalkar 928). Candrakant Handore (22) and Bhai Jagtap (190 are fighting for their survival.
As BJP’s Bharatiya and Shinde have secured highest number of first preference votes, their second preference votes will be counted first. BJP’s strategy which ensured their candidate’s victory in Rajya Sabha Polls, again paid results. Maha Vikas Aghadi may be left red-faced in the elections. Congress, however, was a major victim of the political game.
