Kalyan: The declaration of 20 Mahayuti candidates as unopposed winners in the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) elections has sparked fresh controversy, with social activists questioning the denial of the NOTA option and threatening legal action. Social activist Srinivas Ghanekar has issued notices to the Municipal Corporation and the State Election Commission, warning that he will approach the Bombay High Court if voters are denied their right to choose NOTA.

With the KDMC elections underway, BJP and Shiv Sena leaders announced that 20 Mahayuti candidates had secured victory without contest, as no rival nominations were filed. The candidates marked their wins with celebratory rallies, declaring themselves elected unopposed. However, activists argue that even in such cases, voters must be given the option to register dissent through NOTA on Electronic Voting Machines.

The situation has reportedly left election officials uncertain, as the panel system has resulted in a scenario where no contesting candidates exist, yet NOTA remains a recognised option on EVMs. Administrative confusion has arisen over whether polling machines should be installed in such wards solely to facilitate NOTA voting.

Taking strong objection, Ghanekar has accused authorities of undermining democratic rights and has begun preparations to challenge the decision legally. Ghanekar has warned, “The officials, including the State Election Commissioner, concerned election officers and the KDMC Commissioner, could be made respondents in a court petition. The candidates declared elected unopposed may face legal and political complications if the issue is not resolved transparently.”