Maharashtra: Manisha Kayande, Chitra Wagh thank their parties after being appointed MLCs

"I thank CM Shinde, our party leader and all the Shiv Seniks who have been supportive and who have always wished good for me. I thank my party and thank the people of Maharashtra. My party has shown faith in me. The Governor's quota is a special quota for people from various fields and various walks of life, those who have achieved something in their field," said Kayande.

"I was an associate professor in zoology. My PhD is also in zoology. I think somewhere the party has thought of all these things also. I'm highly thankful to my party leader," she added.

Expressing her happiness over getting appointed as MLC, BJP's Chitra Kishor Wagh said, "Bharatiya Janta Party has rendered its appreciation on me. I want to thank the BJP. I have been in this party for five years and within that tenure, they have given me such a big platform. It is the happiest day of my life. I am sure that our Mahayuti government will come into power in Maharashtra. It is evident from the feedback we have been receiving."

The swearing-in ceremony of seven MLCs appointed by the Governor was held at Vidhan Bhavan on Tuesday. Deputy Chairperson of Maharashtra Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe administered the oath.

The case regarding the vacant posts of 12 MLCs appointed by the Governor is pending in the High Court. The court has completed the hearing on the petition of Shiv Sena UBT Kolhapur chief Sunil Modi and has reserved the order.

Notably, the 288 seats Maharashtra Assembly will go to polls later this year. The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the dates for the assembly polls on Tuesday.

The upcoming Maharashtra election will see a contest between the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress, and the Maha Yuti Alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). (ANI)