India, Jan. 6 -- Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Avinash Jadhav on Monday moved the Bombay High Court over the "suspicious withdrawal" of candidates from at least 68 wards in various poll-bound municipal corporations across Maharashtra, leading to the unopposed victory of nominees from the ruling Mahayuti coalition.

The withdrawal of rival candidates was "not voluntary", but a result of "systemic coercion, threats, or illegal allurements, violating the free and fair constitutional mandate", the writ petition, filed through advocate Asim Sarode, said.

On Monday, Jadhav also approached the State Election Commission (SEC), demanding a thorough probe into the matter. On Sunday, the MNS and Shiv Sena (UBT) had submitted a written com...