The stand off between Shiv Sena and BJP continues as Shiv Sena today fielded its candidate for the Assembly Speaker’s post. The BJP had already fielded its candidate for the same post and now the two parties will again be pitted against each other in the close fight for the Speaker’s post. With the Congress fielding former minister Varsha Gaikwad for the post of Maharashtrta assembly speaker, and Shiv Sena and BJP’s candidates already in the fray, the fight for the assembly speaker’s post has intensified.

The Shiv Sena has fielded Vijay Auti and the BJP has fielded Haribhau Bagade for the assembly speaker’s post . The initial deadline for filing nominations was until 12 noon today, but was extended to 3 PM after Shiv Sena MLAs created ruckus in the state legislature. With the death of one of its MLAs, although the BJP’s strength in the assembly has been reduced to 121, it also enjoys the support of 11 more MLAs including independents and some smaller parties.