Pune, Oct. 5 -- The ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra faces a fresh challenge ahead of the Legislative Council elections, with the BJP and Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, set for a direct contest in the Pune Teachers' constituency.

The BJP has announced candidates for three constituencies: Pune Graduates, Nagpur Graduates and Pune Teachers. While the BJP has fielded Dr Smita Jadhav from Pune Graduates and Kaustubh Gawde from Pune Teachers, Shinde's Sena has also decided to contest the Pune Teachers' seat with the close aid of DCM Eknath Shinde and Mangesh Chivte.

The development has raised the possibility of a direct electoral battle between two constituents of the Mahayuti alliance.

The BJP candidates for ...