The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has stated that it holds the authority to order a complete re-run of the electoral process in a municipal ward, even after a candidate has been declared elected unopposed. This action, however, is contingent upon receiving a formal complaint backed by concrete evidence from a candidate who withdrew under alleged pressure or threat.
Opposition's Demand for NOTA in Unopposed Wards
This clarification comes amid strong demands from the Opposition, particularly the Congress party, regarding a significant number of unopposed victories secured by the ruling Mahayuti alliance ahead of the civic polls scheduled for January 15. Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal argued on Monday that voters' constitutional rights are being undermined. He demanded that the NOTA (None of the Above) option be made available even in constituencies where candidates face no opposition.
"Today, the BJP and Mahayuti have developed a mindset where they want no opposition," Sapkal alleged. He accused the ruling parties of using extreme tactics, including threats and pressure, to prevent opposition candidates from filing nominations, all with the alleged support of the police and administration while the Election Commission remains a "mute spectator."
SEC's Stance: Evidence is Key for Action
Responding to these serious allegations, a senior SEC official outlined the legal provisions available. "As per the provisions of the law, if the commission receives a complaint from the directly affected party, that is the candidate who has withdrawn from the race, and it is backed by evidence, the Commission has the power to recall the entire poll process in that particular ward," the official stated.
The official provided crucial details about the complaint process. It must be submitted by a directly affected person, specifically a candidate who claims to have withdrawn under duress. Furthermore, the complaint must be supported by evidence of coercion, force, or inducement. "The reason why we have asked for a detailed report from the municipal commissioners and returning officers is that we need to get a clearer picture of unopposed elections. We cannot take action on mere allegations," the officer emphasized, explaining the SEC's proactive step of seeking reports from local administrations.
The Political Backdrop and Next Steps
The political landscape in Maharashtra has been charged by the ruling Mahayuti alliance claiming 68 unopposed victories across several municipal corporations. This development has triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties, which have consistently accused the ruling coalition of deploying force, money, and administrative machinery to compel rival candidates to withdraw from the electoral fray.
The SEC's current position establishes a clear but evidence-dependent pathway for challenging these unopposed wins. The commission's move to gather official reports, coupled with its stated readiness to act on verified complaints, places the onus on affected candidates to come forward with proof of malpractice. The outcome of this process could significantly impact the results in several wards and set a precedent for handling similar situations in future local body elections across the state.
