The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday announced Ambadas Danve, a former leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, as its candidate for the upcoming MLC elections–a move that has surprised political observers and raised questions over coordination within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray made the announcement, despite widespread speculation that the party’s chief, Uddhav Thackeray, would be the Opposition alliance’s nominee.

The party said in an official statement, “With the blessings of revered Hinduhṛday Samrat Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, and under the directions of party chief Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has announced Ambadas Danve as its candidate for the 2026 Maharashtra Legislative Council elections.”

Senior Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut had repeatedly said that the election could be unopposed if Uddhav Thackeray contested. A day earlier, party MLC Milind Narvekar said Uddhav Thackeray was “99 per cent” likely to be the MVA candidate.

On Wednesday morning, Raut said the MVA candidate would be announced at 11 am on Thursday, the last day for filing nominations, but Aaditya announced Danve’s candidature a day earlier.

The development comes amid indications of a rift within the Opposition alliance. The Congress had earlier conveyed that it would support Uddhav Thackeray as the joint MVA candidate and “nobody else”. Congress leaders have indicated that if the Sena (UBT) fields a candidate other than Uddhav, the party will put up its own nominee.

It remains to be seen what stand the other MVA constituent, NCP(SP), takes on the issue.