Shiv Sena today announced re-nomination of its MP Sanjay Raut for Rajya Sabha and senior leader Diwakar Raote and Anil Parab for Maharashtra Legislative Council. Shiv Sena Executive president Uddhav Thackeray nominated the candidates. A party spokesperson informed this in Mumbai today. <br/><br/>The biennial elections for six Rajya Sabha seats are scheduled on June 17, as terms of MPs including Raut, Sharad Joshi supported by the Sena-BJP alliance, Vijay Darda (Congress), Tariq Anwar (NCP) and Rahul Bajaj (supported by NCP) will end on June 7. <br/><br/>Another Congress MP Shivraj Patil has become Punjab Governor. The Council elections for 10 seats are scheduled on June 10. The ruling Congress-NCP combine has 144 MLAs in the 288-member Assembly and enjoys the support of a majority of 24 independents. <br/><br/>The Sena has 45 and BJP 46 MLAs in the House. While 42 first preference votes are required by a candidate for a straight win in the Rajya Sabha poll, 27 votes will see an aspirant through in the Council poll. The date for filing nominations is May 31st.