Thane municipal corporation elections: Opposition alleges bias by officials over rejection of nomination papers
An election official holds a demonstration of EVM and other voting materials for the upcoming Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections in Thane. | Photo Credit: PTI
The opposition has accused election officials of adopting a partisan attitude during the scrutiny of nomination papers for the upcoming Thane Municipal Corporation elections after the papers of several candidates were rejected.
Rajan Vichare of Shiv Sena (UBT), Avinash Jadhav of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Jitendra Awhad of Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar). [NCP(SP)] Addressing the media on Wednesday night, December 31, 2025, he targeted the returning officer from the Wagle Estate area.
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Opposition leaders alleged that the returning officer was biased in rejecting nomination papers of Sena (UBT), MNS, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and independent candidates contesting from wards 16, 17 and 18.
According to MNS and VBA leaders, the nominations of Shinde Sena candidates Ekta Bhoir and Shilpa Wagh were accepted despite alleged inconsistencies. Wagle Estate area is considered to be the stronghold of the ruling Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
“These officials have become servants of the ruling party and work only for them,” Mr Awhad said. He, Mr. Jadhav and Mr. Vichare sought registration of a criminal offense against the returning officer.
MNS city president Ravi More said that his party and the affected candidates will launch a hunger strike for wards 16, 17 and 18 on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Another controversy arose in Mumbra district, where NCP’s Sudhir Bhagat contested the candidacy of NCP(SP) candidate Moreshwar Kinne, claiming that the latter had earlier lost his corporator post due to unauthorized construction. Despite providing documentary evidence, Mr Bhagat claimed his appeal was rejected.
Meanwhile, in Bhiwandi-Nizampur Municipal Corporation, election officials examined 1,033 nomination papers and rejected 77 of them. In Navi Mumbai, 117 candidates were disqualified after examining all 956 submitted candidates.
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“Incomplete or notarized statements regarding assets and criminal records, missing “dues” certificates regarding municipal taxes or utility bills, and inconsistencies in caste certificates for reserved seats are among the reasons for rejection,” officials said.
Elections to 29 municipal corporations, including Thane, Bhiwandi and Navi Mumbai, will be held on January 15 and votes will be counted the next day.
It was published – 01 January 2026 11:52 IST
