Have the Maha SEC Ordered an Investigation into 69 Unopposed Municipal Elections?
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Synopsis
As the municipal elections in Maharashtra approach, the SEC has launched a probe into the unopposed election of 69 candidates. Allegations of coercion have surfaced, prompting an urgent investigation that could alter the electoral landscape. Will the findings impact the upcoming elections?
Key Takeaways
- The SEC has initiated an investigation into 69 unopposed candidates.
- Allegations of coercion and pressure have been raised by opposition parties.
- CCTV footage will be reviewed to verify claims of interference.
- The elections are set for January 15, with results announced on January 16.
- The investigation could influence the political landscape in Maharashtra.
Mumbai, Jan 3 (NationPress) With only 12 days left until the elections for 29 Municipal Corporations in Maharashtra, the State Election Commission (SEC) has initiated a thorough investigation into the unopposed victories of 69 candidates throughout the state.
The SEC’s decision stems from the requirement to receive comprehensive reports from District Collectors and Municipal Commissioners regarding the elections. Only after reviewing these reports can the commission determine whether to officially declare the candidates as elected or not.
According to SEC sources who spoke to IANS on Saturday, “The SEC has taken a serious note of the declaration of unopposed wins by political parties and ordered a probe.”
In line with established guidelines, the official announcement of any candidate's victory, even if unopposed, is only made on counting day, based on the Municipal Commissioner's report for these 29 municipal corporations. The SEC's procedures ensure that candidates have not withdrawn their nominations under coercion or undue influence.
The SEC's intervention comes in response to serious allegations from opposition parties including Congress, Janata Dal (S), and AAP.
In particular, candidates from three wards in Mumbai's Colaba (Ward ‘A’) claim they were unlawfully obstructed from submitting nominations or were pressured to withdraw under duress.
The SEC has instructed the Mumbai Municipal Commissioner to review CCTV footage from the Ward 'A' office to confirm claims of interference.
Following the withdrawal deadline of January 2, reports have been requested from Returning Officers, Municipal Commissioners, and Police Commissioners.
“The election results for these BMC seats will not be officially announced until the investigation is complete,” SEC sources stated.
While officials found guilty of bias may face consequences, current legislation does not permit the re-filing of nominations.
The SEC's actions are critical, especially since the Mahayuti coalition claimed to have secured 68 out of 69 unopposed seats in the Municipal Corporation elections in Maharashtra prior to polling.
On the final day for candidate withdrawals, the BJP gained the most, with candidates in 44 seats facing no opposition. This has made the electoral process significantly easier for them.
The BJP has emerged with the highest number of unopposed candidates, totaling 44 out of 69 in the 29 municipal corporation elections.
The elections for the municipal corporations, including the BMC, are scheduled for January 15, with counting slated for January 16. Even before polling, candidate scrutiny revealed 69 candidates across parties with no competitors in the elections.
The BJP leads with 44 unopposed candidates, while Shiv Sena has 22, NCP has 2, and the Islamic Party has one.
Data from the Municipal Corporation indicates that the BJP has the most unopposed candidates in Kalyan, totaling 15, with other significant numbers in Bhiwandi (6), Pune (2), Pimpri-Chinchwad (2), Panvel (6), Dhule (4), Jalgaon (6), and Ahilyanagar (3).
The Shiv Sena recorded seven unopposed candidates in Thane, which is also Deputy CM Eknath Shinde's stronghold, as well as seven in Kalyan and six in Jalgaon, and two in Bhiwandi.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's NCP secured two unopposed contests in Jalgaon.
The Islamic Party managed to secure its only seat in Malegaon.
(For further details, you can reach out to Sanjay Jog at sanjay.j@ians.in)
Point of View
The investigation into the unopposed elections in Maharashtra highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining electoral integrity. The SEC's prompt action reflects a commitment to ensuring fair elections, emphasizing that all candidates must have the opportunity to compete without coercion or undue influence. This situation underscores the importance of transparency in the democratic process.
NationPress
04/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SEC investigating?
The SEC is investigating the unopposed election of 69 candidates across Maharashtra amid allegations of coercion and undue influence.
What are the upcoming election dates?
The elections for the municipal corporations are scheduled for January 15, with counting taking place on January 16.
What parties are involved in the allegations?
Opposition parties, including Congress, Janata Dal (S), and AAP, have raised serious allegations regarding the unopposed elections.
What actions has the SEC taken?
The SEC has ordered a probe and directed the Mumbai Municipal Commissioner to examine CCTV footage from the Ward 'A' office.
What is the significance of this investigation?
This investigation is crucial as it may affect the legitimacy of the election process and the candidates declared elected.
