The biennial elections for nine seats of the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) have been scheduled for May 12, the Election Commission of India announced on Thursday.

According to a press note issued by the Commission, the tenure of nine MLCs is due to end on May 13, 2026, necessitating the elections.

Those set to retire are Sanjay Kishanrao Kenekar, Neelam Diwakar Gorhe, Uddhav Thackeray, Sandeep Diwakar Joshi, Dadarao Yadavrao Keche, Amol Ramkrushna Mitkari, Ranjitsinh Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil, Rajesh Dhondiram Rathod and Shashikant Jaywantrao Shinde.

The Commission said the notification for the elections will be issued on April 23, while the last date for filing nominations is April 30.

Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on May 2, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature has been fixed as May 4, it said.

Polling, if required, will be held on May 12 between 9 am and 4 pm, followed by the counting of votes at 5 pm the same day, it said.

Of the 78 MLCs in Maharashtra, some are elected by an electoral college comprising Members of the Legislative Assembly. The nine candidates in May will be elected by MLAs.

The state assembly has a strength of 288 members.

Published on April 16, 2026