Mumbai, January 5 – The selection of 67 councilors without opposition in the ongoing Maharashtra municipal elections has sparked significant controversy. The main issue revolves around whether the elections were conducted fairly or if opposition candidates withdrew their nominations due to political pressure and intimidation.
In response, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Avinash Jadhav and the Congress party have approached the Bombay High Court. On Monday, MNS filed a petition alleging that the ruling party in the state forced opposition candidates to withdraw through tactics such as threats, intimidation, and monetary inducements.
MNS claims that the election process was not entirely transparent and violated the fundamental principles of democracy.
Large-scale unopposed selections took place in areas including Kalyan-Dombivli, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Jalgaon, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Opposition parties allege that candidates were compelled to withdraw under pressure in many places. With no substantial relief from the Election Commission, MNS decided to seek intervention from the High Court as a last resort.
The petition questions the transparency of the Election Commission and alleges that the commission is under pressure from the state government. MNS has requested the court to supervise an investigation into the matter and to withhold the declaration of results for the 67 candidates until the inquiry is complete. The petition also calls for an expedited hearing to address the alleged irregularities swiftly.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
