Maharashtra Mahayuti alliance faces rift over Pune Teachers seat

The ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra is facing internal tension ahead of the Legislative Council elections. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, are set to compete directly for the Pune Teachers constituency, potentially challenging their existing seat-sharing agreement.

The BJP has announced candidates for three constituencies: Pune Graduates, Nagpur Graduates, and Pune Teachers. For the Pune Teachers seat, the BJP has fielded Kaustubh Gawde, the CEO of Shri Swami Vivekanand Shikshan Sanstha in Kolhapur. Meanwhile, Shinde’s Shiv Sena has also decided to contest the same seat.

In the Pune Graduates constituency, the BJP has named Dr. Smita Jadhav. Her nomination was filed in Pune alongside other party leaders. Jadhav’s candidacy is noted for its connection to significant educational groups in the Pune and Kolhapur regions, which may influence voter equations within the constituency.