Hyderabad, May 2 -- By Prof Afroz Alam

In democratic systems, the principle of fair competition among candidates is essential for ensuring political accountability and the effective representation of diverse viewpoints. Uncontested elections, however, may undermine these aspects of the democratic process. A recent example occurred in Surat, Gujarat, where Mukesh Dalal of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) became the first candidate in 12 years to win unopposed. This event is not isolated; since India's independence in 1947, at least 34 others have won parliamentary polls without an electoral battle. Historical peaks occurred in 1957, with seven candidates winning uncontested, and five each in the 1951 and 1967 elections. Fewer candidates w...