Maharashtra BMC Ink Controversy: Marker Pens Under Probe
Maharashtra BMC Ink Controversy: Marker Pens Under Probe
Opposition alleges marker pens replaced indelible ink in Maharashtra’s civic polls; authorities vow a probe as voters report ink removal.
As Maharashtra conducts polls across 29 municipal corporations, about 3.48 crore voters were eligible to cast ballots, with 39,092 polling centers set up to decide 15,908 candidates across 2,869 seats. The scale of the election underscores the scrutiny around the voting process and its safeguards.
Voters and opposition voices raised concerns that marker pens were used instead of indelible ink to indicate a vote, with reports suggesting the ink on a finger could be wiped off using sanitiser—raising questions about the integrity of the marking procedure. The opposition leader warned against any attempts to manipulate voting and urged heightened vigilance, while a party spokesperson claimed markers were being used in place of indelible ink and could be removed with nail polish remover.
Officials said they would probe all complaints. The municipal commissioner noted preliminary observations: ink on the nail is removable, but ink on the skin is less prone to erasing, which could complicate assessments of the ink’s permanence. In response to videos circulating on social media showing supposed removals with acetone or washing, the Election Commission clarified the standard process involves applying indelible ink to a voter’s left-hand finger at the time of casting the vote on the EVM.
Analysts say the episode highlights concerns about transparency and trust in the democratic process, prompting calls for clear proof and swift action to reassure voters about the integrity of the elections.
