UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — SEC orders probe into ‘unopposed victories’ in Maharashtra civic polls

Q1. Under which Article of the Constitution of India is the superintendence, direction and control of the conduct of all elections to the Municipalities vested in the State Election Commission?

  • A. Article 243K
  • B. Article 243ZA
  • C. Article 243ZG
  • D. Article 243ZD

Q2. Within the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, which constituent party secured the largest share of unopposed victories in the 2026 Municipal Corporation elections that triggered the State Election Commission's probe?

  • A. Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction)
  • B. Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction)
  • C. Bharatiya Janata Party
  • D. Republican Party of India (Athawale)

Q3. In the context of municipal elections in India, an 'unopposed victory' (uncontested election) most accurately refers to which one of the following situations?

  • A. A situation where a candidate polls more than 50% of the total valid votes cast in the ward, eliminating the need for a run-off
  • B. A situation where the returning officer rejects all rival nominations as invalid at the scrutiny stage, leaving only one candidate
  • C. A situation where, after the last date for withdrawal of nominations, only one validly nominated candidate remains and is declared elected without a poll being held
  • D. A situation where rival candidates boycott the poll on the day of voting, leading the State Election Commission to declare the lone voter as elected

Q4. Which authority is constitutionally entrusted with the actual conduct of elections to Municipal Corporations in Maharashtra, and is the body that has ordered the probe into the 2026 unopposed victories?

  • A. The Election Commission of India
  • B. The Urban Development Department, Government of Maharashtra
  • C. The State Election Commission, Maharashtra
  • D. The Office of the District Collector under the Revenue Department