Thane: An election petition has been filed before a civil court in Kalyan challenging the process of declaring 20 candidates “elected unopposed” in the recent Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) polls.The petition, filed by local Congress leader Prakash Pagare alias Mama Pagare, raises constitutional and democratic concerns, arguing that voters were denied their right to participate in the electoral process in wards where candidates were declared elected without polling.The plea contends that despite the availability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA) option, authorities bypassed the voting process in such wards, effectively depriving citizens of their right to reject. It argues that this practice undermines democratic participation and weakens the electoral framework.The petitioner has relied on provisions of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949, relevant election rules, and Supreme Court judgments to support the claim that voters must be given an opportunity to express their choice—even in cases where only one candidate remains in the fray.The issue has drawn attention across the state after around 20 candidates from the ruling Mahayuti alliance were reportedly declared elected unopposed in the KDMC elections held earlier this year.Advocate Uzair Naje, appearing for the petitioner, said the court has admitted the matter for hearing. Notices have been issued to the elected corporators as well as the State Election Commission.The petitioner has sought cancellation of the election results of all 20 corporators and has urged the court to direct fresh elections in those wards through proper polling.The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for June 8.
