Mumbai, Jun 28 (PTI) The schedule for the biennial elections to 11 seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Council is likely to be declared next week. The term of eleven members of the Council, elected from the MLA quota, ends on July 27. The outgoing members include state Congress president Manikrao Thakre and former Assembly Speaker and NCP leader Arun Gujarathi. According to the sources, the monsoon session of the state legislature would start from July 9. The Presidential election is scheduled for July 19. "A decision has to be taken if the Council elections will be held before or after the Presidential polls," sources added. Congress sources said the party will field four candidates. The outgoing sitting members of Congress, apart from Thakre, are Ulhas Pawar, S Q Zama and Rajan Teli. Apart from Gujarathi, Usha Darade is another NCP MLC whose term would end. RPI (A)'s Preetam Kumar Shegaonkar, who passed away last week, was also from the NCP's quota. Sources said NCP is likely to contest three seats. "Congress has 82 MLAs apart from one nominated Anglo-Indian member and 17 independents. While NCP, which has 62 MLAs, needs 13 more to get its third candidate elected. (A candidate needs 25 first preference votes to win.)" sources added. When contacted, Thakre said Congress and NCP leaders will discuss the election strategy and take a decision regarding fielding of their candidates.
