India, Nov. 26 -- NCP (SP) national working president Supriya Sule has approached the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC), alleging that nominees for the upcoming local body elections are being pressured to withdraw, paving the way for unopposed victories.

In a letter to State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare, Sule said a "disturbing pattern" has emerged in several municipal councils and nagar panchayats, where candidates are backing out after facing "pressure, threats and coercion." She said such tactics erode democratic participation and warrant urgent investigation.

Sule's intervention came shortly after state BJP president Ravindra Chavan claimed that 100 councillors from the ruling alliance had already been elected uno...