Shiv Sena may contest election to Assembly Speaker's post

Shiv Sena on Monday night said that not only has it staked claim to the Leader of Opposition's post in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, it may also contest election to the Speaker's post.

Election for Speaker's post is slated for November 12. If Sena contests the election, it will have a direct face-off with its estranged ally BJP.

"We are ready to contest the election. Final decision will be taken by party president Uddhav Thackeray tomorrow," Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe told PTI.

"We have staked our claim for Opposition leader's post as we are the second largest party," she added.

Asked about reports that BJP had offered a few ministerial berths to Sena, Gorhe said there was no formal communication between the two parties at the moment.