Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Activist Challenges Unopposed Wins in KDMC Elections
A social activist from Kalyan has sent a legal notice to the Election Commission and the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC).
He is challenging the practice of declaring candidates as 'elected unopposed' in municipal elections, even when the 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option is available.
The activist argues that this practice is unfair because it doesn't let voters show their disagreement with all candidates.
He is asking for elections to be held with the NOTA option, even if there's only one candidate left.
He also mentioned a Supreme Court ruling that supports the importance of NOTA in elections.
The activist wants clear rules to make sure elections are fair and give voters a real choice.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Election Commissioner, Dinesh Waghmare, has stated that current laws do not permit NOTA to be considered a candidate in unopposed elections, and any change would require a legislative amendment.
The SEC is also addressing concerns about unopposed elections and ensuring that election officers are protected from political backlash.
A Kalyan activist issued a legal notice challenging unopposed victories in KDMC elections, arguing that NOTA's availability makes such wins arbitrary and unconstitutional.
The activist relies on a 2013 Supreme Court judgment mandating NOTA in EVMs and demands elections with NOTA even when only one candidate remains.
State Election Commissions in Delhi and Chandigarh treat NOTA as a 'fictional candidate', but the Maharashtra SEC states that current laws do not permit NOTA to be considered a candidate in unopposed elections.
The Maharashtra SEC has sought reports on unopposed elections but emphasizes that they follow existing laws and cannot bypass statutory provisions.
The SEC also addressed concerns about the use of force and money to make elections unopposed, stating that 2.4% of seats (70 out of 2869) saw unopposed elections in Maharashtra.
- Who
- Sriniwas A. Ghanekar, a social activist from Kalyan, and Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare
- What
- A legal notice challenging unopposed victories in KDMC elections and an interview discussing election procedures and challenges
- When
- January 10, 2024 (legal notice); interview date not specified
- Where
- Thane, Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To ensure voters' right to express dissent through NOTA is respected and to address concerns about unopposed elections and election code violations
Activist's Perspective
State Election Commission's Perspective
NOTA in Unopposed Elections
Activist's Perspective
Sriniwas A. Ghanekar argues that NOTA's availability makes unopposed wins arbitrary and unconstitutional, demanding elections with NOTA even when only one candidate remains.
State Election Commission's Perspective
Dinesh Waghmare states that current laws do not permit NOTA to be considered a candidate in unopposed elections, and any change would require a legislative amendment.
Action on Unopposed Elections
Activist's Perspective
The activist seeks legal action to challenge the practice of unopposed victories.
State Election Commission's Perspective
The SEC has sought reports on unopposed elections but emphasizes that they follow existing laws and cannot bypass statutory provisions.
- Activist
- Sriniwas A. Ghanekar
- Legal Notice Issued To
- Election Commission and KDMC
- Issue
- Unopposed victories in elections despite NOTA availability
- Supreme Court Judgment
- People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) vs Union of India (2013)
- NOTA Treatment
- Treated as a 'fictional electoral candidate' in Delhi and Chandigarh
- Demand
- Elections with NOTA option even with single candidate
- SEC's Stance
- Cannot go beyond the statute; requires legislative amendment for NOTA in unopposed elections
- Unopposed Elections in Maharashtra
- 2.4% of seats (70 out of 2869) saw unopposed elections
Sources
KDMC Elections 2026: Kalyan Activist Issues Legal Notice Challenging ‘Unopposed’ Wins In Civic Polls, Cites NOTA Provision
Mumbai BMC Elections 2026: HC To Hear Petitions Alleging Colaba Returning Officer Krishna Jadhav’s Bias And Nomination Irregularities
Maharashtra SEC Dinesh Waghmare: Religion-based mayor promises breach poll code, election officers will be protected from political backlash
