MUMBAI, June 5 -- After a week of high-stakes conflict in the ruling Mahayuti, marked by rebellion followed by hectic negotiations to stem dissent, the run-up to the Maharashtra Legislative Council polls hit a dramatic climax on Thursday, the last day for withdrawal of nominations, as seven opposition candidates pulled out of the fray, amid allegations of exchange of cash and promise of future political gains, resulting in seven Mahayuti candidates being elected unopposed. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which had struggled to field candidates for all 17 council seats, suffered a setback as nominees of Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP) withdrew from at least seven constituencies. The most dramatic withdrawal took place in Konkan, where Sh...