NCP-Sena face-off in Maha Legislative Council by-polls

Mumbai, Feb 14 (PTI) It will be a face-off between theShiv Sena and the NCP during the Legislative Councilby-elections for two seats slated for February 21 and 28.

The by-election was necessitated due to the resignationof former Sena MLC Kiran Pawaskar, who joined the NCP, whilethe Nashik local bodies seat fell vacant due to the death ofsitting MLC Vasant Pawar of the NCP.

NCP has nominated Pawaskar for the Legislative Councilseat to be filled in from the MLA quota. Shiv Sena has fieldedRahul Narvekar for the February 21 by-poll.

In Nashik, NCP''s Jayant Jadhav will face Sena''s NivruttiJadhav on February 28.

Today was the last date of withdrawal of nominationpapers.

NCP has said both its candidates have the support of theCongress, its coalition partner in the government.

In the House of 288 MLAs, Congress has 82 and NCP 62,while the Sena has 45 and its coalition partner BJP 46.

For the MLA quota, the winning candidate will require 145votes to win.