Data from the upcoming municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra reveals a significant statewide decline in the number of candidates contesting, raising political temperatures and allegations of foul play. The overall number of final contestants across 29 civic bodies has fallen by 8.6 per cent, from 17,432 in the last elections to 15,931 this time.
Sharpest Decline in Major Urban Centres, Especially MMR
A deeper analysis of the figures shows that the drop is not uniform but is most pronounced in large urban centres, particularly within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Traditionally known for intense multi-cornered contests, these areas have recorded alarming double-digit declines.
In Mumbai, the state's largest civic body with 227 seats, the candidate count has plummeted from 2,275 to 1,700, marking a decline of over 25 per cent. The trend is mirrored or even exceeded in other MMR corporations: Navi Mumbai saw a 26.5% drop, Kalyan–Dombivli a steep 34.8% fall, Thane an 18.5% decrease, and Panvel recorded the highest dip at 39 per cent.
Opposition Alleges Intimidation Amid Record Unopposed Wins
The decline has occurred alongside a record number of candidates being elected unopposed, a phenomenon that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. They have raised serious concerns, alleging the use of force, financial inducements, and misuse of power to prevent potential candidates from filing nominations.
In total, 69 candidates have been elected unopposed. A breakdown shows that 44 belong to the BJP, 22 to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, two to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and one to the Islam Party. The BJP's unopposed wins are concentrated in Kalyan (15), Bhiwandi, Panvel, and Jalgaon (6 each). The Shinde-led Sena's walkovers were notable in Thane (7), the home turf of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and Kalyan (7).
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut made explosive allegations, claiming that rivals were being paid to withdraw. "Opponents are being offered ₹5 crore each to step aside. This is not an election, it is a market," he stated. In response to these allegations, the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) has put the declaration of results for unopposed wards on hold, seeking reports from local officials to confirm no foul play.
Historical Context and Exceptions to the Trend
The current dip marks a sharp reversal in a long-term trend. Since the turn of the century, the number of contestants in these civic polls had been rising—from 14,930 to 17,451, and then 17,432—before falling to the current 15,931.
However, the decline is not universal across Maharashtra. While 22 corporations saw a fall, a few bucked the trend. Parbhani registered a staggering 88.5 per cent increase in candidates, from 218 to 411. Other cities like Vasai-Virar (+13.5%), Jalgaon (+9.9%), Pune (+7%), and Amravati (+5.4%) also recorded modest increases.
The evolving scenario puts the spotlight on the health of democratic contestation in India's second-most populous state, with the election commission's next steps being closely watched.
