Pune: The battle lines have been drawn for yet another Sena vs Sena showdown in Maharashtra . Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday released its first list of 65 candidates. As things stand now, in 25 constituencies, it has fielded its candidates against Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Both parties will lock horns with each other in 12 seats in Mumbai and Konkan, six seats in Marathwada, three each in north and western Maharashtra, and one in Vidarbha. Chief minister Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena will fight against Kedar Dighe of Shiv Sena (UBT) in Kopri-Pachpakhadi seat. The two parties fought against each other in 13 constituencies in the Lok Sabha polls in summer.
UBT Sena secured victory in seven seats, while Shinde's Sena won six. Shiv Sena has declared candidates for 45 assembly seats, while Shiv Sena (UBT) has announced 65 names in its first list. According to the leaders of these parties, names of more candidates would be declared in a day or two.
"The MVA alliance has finalised almost 270 seats. Discussions are under way for the remaining 18 seats," said Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT). Raut said there was a possibility of some changes in the list declared on Wednesday to accommodate smaller parties.
The key Sena vs Sena battles to watch, other than in Konkan (including Mumbai), will be in Marathwada. State minister Abdul Sattar (Sillod) will take on UBT's Suresh Bankar and Shinde Sena's chief spokesperson Sanjay Shirsath will contest against Sena UBT's Raju Shi.