Amid ongoing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, a major controversy has erupted over the use of marker pen on the finger.
Many claims surfaced on social media, including from opposition leaders, alleging that the mark on the voters' fingers could be wiped off using acetone.
The BMC dismissed these claims, saying reports that the ink was being wiped off during polling were incorrect.
However, soon after the row gathered storm, the State Election Commission ordered a probe into the allegations.
He clarified that claims about acetone or nail polish being able to remove the indelible ink are false, and warned that anyone attempting to remove the ink or spread confusion among voters would face legal action.
Talking to reporters, he further stated: “The indelible ink used in the markers applied to voters’ fingers has been in use since 2011. The markers are manufactured by the same company and use the same ink composition. The ink takes 10 to 12 seconds to dry after application, and once it dries, it cannot be wiped off. Circulating videos on social media regarding the ink to create confusion among voters is unacceptable and may invite legal action.”
"If anyone attempts to illegally remove the ink applied at the polling station, the concerned voter will not be allowed to vote again. Instructions in this regard have already been given to the polling staff. After a voter casts their vote, a record of it is made. Therefore, even if the ink mark is removed, the voter cannot vote again. To increase awareness, these instructions have once again been issued to all concerned,” the statement of Maharashtra Election Commission noted.
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