NCP (SP) claims candidates are facing threats to quit polls

Pune

NCP (Sharad Pawar) national working president Supriya Sule has written to the Maharashtra State Election Commissioner, claiming that candidates in the upcoming local body elections are being pressured to withdraw. She alleged that “vested interests” are trying to secure unopposed victories by using threats and force. Sule expressed concern over what she called a rising and “worrying trend” of unopposed wins happening even before polling begins.

Her letter comes days after Maharashtra BJP chief Ravindra Chavan said that 100 ruling party councillors had already been elected unopposed in municipal councils and nagar panchayats. Opposition parties have alleged that the BJP is pushing dynastic politics to grassroots levels and using police pressure to favour relatives of influential leaders.

Local body elections for 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats are scheduled for December 2. Civic corporation elections are likely in January 2026. Sule, daughter of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, said the Election Commission must ensure that democratic values are protected and the process remains fair and transparent.

She reminded the SEC that Maharashtra has always followed strong democratic principles built on inclusion and public participation. “Yashwantrao Chavan ensured democratic leadership emerged from every village,” she wrote. Sule stated that the “greed for power” is now damaging that proud legacy by making polls unopposed.

The Baramati MP stressed that threats and intimidation of candidates go against the spirit of democracy. She urged authorities to guarantee a free and fearless atmosphere for campaigning and voting so that people’s voices are heard.

“Unfortunately, this does not seem to be happening now,” Sule warned. She said she has raised the issue to protect the state’s democratic character and maintain public trust in the election system.