Shiv Sena (UBT) Slams BJP For ‘Unopposed Election Scam’ In Maharashtra

Mumbai: In a sharp escalation of political confrontation in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of engineering what it called a “grand unopposed election conspiracy” across multiple local bodies in the state. Through a strongly worded editorial in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray faction alleged that the ruling party was using threats, financial influence and administrative pressure to eliminate electoral competition and secure uncontested victories for its candidates.

According to the editorial, the pattern of “manufactured unopposed wins,” first seen in parts of Delhi and Bihar, is now becoming widespread in Maharashtra, raising what it described as “grave concerns over the health of democracy.” The party claimed that several candidates, especially those from the Opposition, had been coerced into withdrawing nominations, enabling BJP-backed individuals—many of them relatives of senior leaders—to sail through without facing a vote.

The Sena (UBT) further alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was being used as a “remote-controlled operator,” suggesting that election authorities were failing to act despite clear indications of wrongdoing. The editorial argued that such trends threaten to erode public trust in the electoral system and undermine the moral authority of the Constitution.

Specific instances highlighted include alleged disturbances in Jamner, Daund and parts of Solapur district, where public outrage reportedly turned into heated confrontations. The party also pointed to Chikhaldara and Daund, where family members of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Minister Jaykumar Rawal are said to have secured posts without contest.