In a petition filed on Monday through advocate Asim Sarode, Jadhav has called for a court-monitored investigation into the mass withdrawal of nomination papers by opposition candidates ahead of the January 15 municipal elections. The plea specifically targets 68 seats across 29 municipal corporations where candidates from the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) have allegedly secured uncontested victories.
The MNS leader alleged that the withdrawals were not voluntary but rather orchestrated through systemic abuse of power. “Withdrawal of rival candidates was not voluntary but was the result of systemic coercion, threats, or illegal allurements, violating the ‘free and fair’ mandate of Article 243-ZA of the Constitution,” the plea stated.
The petition further pointed out that the Maharashtra State Election Commission itself has taken cognisance of the situation. According to the plea, the Commission has initiated a state-wide inquiry into the nearly 70 candidates who were declared elected unopposed following allegations of malpractices. These unopposed wins span across several local bodies, raising serious concerns over electoral integrity.
Among the key demands made in the petition is a stay on the declaration of results in the 68 seats allegedly impacted by these questionable withdrawals. Jadhav has urged the court to halt any further action on these seats until a proper investigation is conducted under judicial oversight.
The matter is expected to be heard in due course.
Municipal elections for 29 civic bodies in Maharashtra are scheduled for January 15, with the counting of votes to take place the following day. These elections are seen as a crucial indicator of public sentiment ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, and political stakes are high for all major parties, including the BJP, Shiv Sena, MNS, and Congress.
The allegations, if proven, could trigger significant political and legal ramifications and raise deeper concerns about electoral fairness in local governance.
