India, Jan. 3 -- As many as 68 candidates from the three major ruling parties in the Mahayuti alliance in the state could be elected unopposed in crucial elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. Taking the tally to 69 is one candidate from the Islam Party in Malegaon.

In this multi-cornered contest, 2,869 seats are up for grabs. Of these, 44 BJP candidates, 22 Shiv Sena candidates, two NCP candidates, and one from the Islam Party in Malegaon have no opponents.

The number was confirmed on Friday, the last day for the withdrawal of nominations.

Opposition parties are crying foul, alleging that the ruling BJP, Sena and NCP had either intimidated rival candidates, coercing them to withdraw from the fray, or used inducements t...