Voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election started amid controversy as Opposition leaders claimed voters were marked with erasable ink at polling booths. State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare initiated an inquiry against Kores company regarding the ink quality. The SEC decided to switch to ink supplied by Mysore Ink instead of Kores.
The dispute escalated as Shiv Sena and MNS accused Waghmare of favoring the ruling alliance. The State Election Commission denied the ink’s easy erasability and warned against creating confusion during the polls. Officials clarified the issue in a press conference, stating that the ink used has been consistent since 2011.
Allegations of ink removal to enable repeat voting led to demands for action against the Election Commissioner. Videos circulating on social media will be investigated for misinformation. Opposition parties raised concerns over the ink’s quality, emphasizing the need for a fair electoral process. The Election Commission reiterated that safeguards prevent double voting despite attempts to remove the ink.
