Why are candidates withdrawing in record numbers? MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Maharashtra polls

Mumbai: Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on Monday expressed concern over what she described as a troubling trend in the Maharashtra local body elections, after a record 68 candidates from the ruling Mahayuti alliance were declared elected unopposed.

According to election data, the unopposed candidates include 44 from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the highest number coming from the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation in Thane district. Other civic bodies where candidates were elected without contest include Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Panvel, Bhiwandi, Dhule, Jalgaon and Ahilyanagar.

In a social media post, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader questioned why opposition candidates had withdrawn from the race in such large numbers, arguing that the withdrawals effectively deny voters their democratic right to choose their representatives.

Chaturvedi said that while candidates did initially file nomination papers, their subsequent withdrawal led to unopposed victories, leaving voters in those wards without a say.

“It means the voters of the 68 wards find their votes useless and a winner decided between the contestants themselves...It takes away a voters right to decide who would be the best representative for their ward. Making them the non required voters,” she said, adding that such outcomes undermine the essence of grassroots democracy.

Pune case highlights pattern

In Pune Municipal Corporation, BJP candidates Manjusha Nagpure and Shrikant Jagtap were elected unopposed from Ward No. 35 after their rivals withdrew nomination forms. Notably, both leaders had represented the same ward during the 2017–2022 term, reinforcing opposition claims that entrenched power structures may be discouraging electoral competition.

Allegations of pressure and uneven playing field

Chaturvedi cited past electoral experiences to suggest that opposition candidates may be withdrawing due to pressure tactics, financial inducements, or fears of contesting without a level playing field. She alleged that the misuse of investigative agencies and money power could be influencing candidates’ decisions to exit the race.

The Rajya Sabha MP also questioned the effectiveness of the State Election Commission, which is mandated to ensure free and fair polls and protect voter rights. She suggested that the large number of unopposed victories points to systemic failures in preventing electoral manipulation.

"What is the role of the State election commission? To ensure polls not manipulated and voter rights not harmed. Is that happening? LOL," she added.

Elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra are scheduled for January 15, 2026, covering around 3.49 crore voters, or roughly 35 per cent of the state’s electorate. Counting of votes will be held on January 16.