Overview
- Returning officers have been told not to certify any candidate as elected unopposed until the State Election Commission completes its verification.
- Reports are being sought from returning officers, municipal commissioners and police chiefs, with BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani asked to review Ward A CCTV over allegations involving Speaker Rahul Narwekar.
- Media and party tallies indicate about 68–69 unopposed seats statewide—including 44 BJP, 22 Shiv Sena (Shinde), two NCP and one Islam Party—though the SEC has not issued official declarations.
- Election data show 453 withdrawals on the final day, reducing the field to roughly 1,729 candidates; the SEC can act against erring officials but cannot reopen the nomination window.
- Ruling parties attribute withdrawals to organisational strength, while opposition groups allege coercion and misuse of the election machinery; voting is scheduled for January 15 with counting on January 16.