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The Shiv Sena on Friday retained the Mumbai Graduates constituency in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. It has held it since 1985. Senior Shiv Sena leader late Pramod Navalkar had represented the seat for three terms. Sena candidate Vilas Potnis polled 19,354 votes while Ameetkumar Mehta of the BJP bagged 7,792 votes.
On the other hand, NCP deserter Niranjan Davkhare, who contested on a BJP ticket in the Konkan Graduates' seat, emerged victorious. Here, Shiv Sena's candidate was defeated by Davkhare. He, who was the sitting MLC of NCP, bagged 29,035 votes, while Shiv Sena's Sanjay got 23,357 votes. NCP's Najeeb Mulla polled 14,626 votes.
Kapil Patil of Loktantrik Janata Dal won the Mumbai Teachers' seat for third consecutive time after he got 3,751 votes. His nearest rival Shivaji Shendge of Shiv Sena got 1,538 votes.
While in Nashik Teachers' constituency, Kishore Darade won the election defeating Aniket Patil of the BJP. He is an independent candidate backed by the Shiv Sena. He bagged 16,886 votes while Patilgot 10,970 votes.
Polling for these seats was held on June 25 and 72.35 per cent of the total 2.38 lakh voters had exercised their franchise. Total 71 candidates were in the fray for the four seats.
Mumbai Teachers' and Mumbai Graduates' comprise Mumbai city and suburban districts.
A Graduates' constituency is one in which only graduates from any recognised Indian university, or having an equivalent qualification, can vote.
In a Teachers' constituency, only a full-time teacher in at least a secondary school or higher is eligible to vote.
The elections assumed significance as the Shiv Sena had denied ticket to minister Deepak Sawant from the Mumbai Graduates' constituency, which he represented for two consecutive terms.
Besides, election in the Konkan Graduates' seat was also keenly watched as Davkhare had joined the BJP ahead of the polls.
(With PTI inputs)
