Rebels have become a persistent headache for the saffron alliance as four candidates refused to back out, even as the last day of withdrawing nominations passed on Monday. While Shiv Sena is finding it difficult to control its home ground, Bandra East, BJP failed to avert a face-off between an ex-mayor and a sitting MLA in Mira-Bhayandar. On the other side, Sena's rebels are also set to give a tough fight in Versova and BJP's in Andheri East.

The rebellion in saffron parties, along with Congress and NCP leaders struggling to hold on to their assemblies, will lead to interesting contests in the elections.