Mumbai: The ruling Shiv Sena on Thursday announced support to independent candidate Shivaji Shendge from Mumbai teachers constituency for the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, triggering a friendly contest with its allies BJP and NCP.

Elections will be held on June 26.

Sanjay More, secretary of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, said the decision to field Shendge was taken after consultation with allies.

Rival Shiv Sena (UBT) has fielded Jagannath Abhyankar from the seat, while BJP's candidate is Shivnath Darade who is contesting as an independent candidate. NCP has also fielded Shivaji Nalawade.

"When Shendge filed his nomination as a Shiv Sena candidate, the AB form was not given to him at that time. But then it was decided that this seat would be contested as a friendly fight. So although he was a Shiv Sena candidate, However, he will contest the elections as an independent,” More said.

Shendge had contested from the same seat in 2018 and was the runner-up, he said.

NCP's Nalawade said Shendge and Darade are contesting as independent candidates and he is the only "official" Mahayuti candidate.

The situation is similar in Nashik teachers constituency, where Shiv Sena, NCP and BJP have fielded their candidates, leading to a friendly contest.