Mumbai: Voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on Thursday was marred by a controversy over the indelible ink applied to voters’ fingers. Several videos circulating on social media, including one by Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad, claimed that the ink could be wiped off using acetone or nail polish remover.

The videos sparked widespread concern and criticism from opposition leaders, alleging that the ink’s removability could compromise electoral transparency. Gaikwad tweeted that the “faith of the people in our democratic process must be protected at all costs,” criticizing BMC and State Election Commission (SEC) oversight.

SEC Response:
The State Election Commission clarified that attempts to remove indelible ink and vote again are illegal. Voters who attempt to do so will be barred from voting, and legal action will be taken. Polling staff have been instructed that voting records are maintained after each vote, so even if ink marks are wiped off, double voting is not possible.

State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare emphasized that claims about acetone or nail polish removing the ink are false. He stated, “The indelible ink used since 2011 takes 10–12 seconds to dry, and once dry, it cannot be wiped off. Circulating misleading videos to create confusion may invite legal action.” An inquiry has been ordered into the complaints.

Political Reactions:

• MNS chief Raj Thackeray alleged that the ink had been replaced with a marker pen that could be removed using hand sanitizer, claiming this could allow voters to re-enter polling booths and vote again.
• Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis dismissed Thackeray’s claims, saying opposition leaders should not object to government agencies and emphasizing that elections should remain impartial.

The SEC probe aims to ensure voter confidence and clarify that no procedural irregularity has compromised the indelible ink system.