A controversy emerged in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections when voters noticed that the ink on their fingers could be wiped off easily. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray expressed strong disapproval of this incident, accusing the government of resorting to unfair tactics to secure victory. Thackeray criticized the use of markers instead of traditional indelible ink, highlighting concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Raj Thackeray condemned the Maharashtra government and the Election Commission for allegedly undermining democratic principles to ensure success in the BMC elections. He raised alarms about potential voter fraud and criticized the lack of transparency in the voting procedures. Thackeray accused the ruling parties of manipulating the system to their advantage, calling into question the fairness of the electoral system.
Thackeray urged his party workers and Shiv Sena supporters to be vigilant against fraudulent activities at polling booths. He emphasized the importance of upholding the democratic process and preventing irregularities that could compromise the legitimacy of election outcomes. Thackeray expressed concerns about the future of democracy in Maharashtra if such malpractices continue unchecked.
Chief Minister Fadnavis defended the electoral process in response to the allegations, suggesting enhanced measures for transparency. Fadnavis emphasized the Election Commission’s authority in election matters and proposed using alternative methods like oil paint to address doubts about the ink’s durability. He cautioned against unwarranted skepticism towards election-related institutions, emphasizing the need to maintain trust in the electoral process.
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani initiated an investigation following reports of the ink’s erasability, aiming to address the concerns raised by voters. The administration issued new guidelines to ensure the ink’s effectiveness in marking voters. The State Election Commission clarified that marker pens were provided for this election as per past practices, with these markers being used in local body elections since 2012.
