New Delhi | Jan 16, 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday criticised the Election Commission over the ongoing controversy regarding allegedly erasable ink used in the Maharashtra civic elections, calling it an attack on the integrity of the democratic process.

Sharing a media report about the ink issue, Gandhi said on X, “Election commission gaslighting citizens is how trust has collapsed in our democracy. Vote Chori is an anti-national act.” His remarks underline growing concerns among opposition parties about the credibility of the voting process.

The controversy began when Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray raised concerns over the electoral ink applied to voters’ fingers, claiming that it could allegedly be removed using acetone or nail polish. Thackeray accused the Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare of “openly siding” with the ruling BJP-led alliance”and demanded his suspension.

In response, the State Election Commission (SEC) immediately ordered an inquiry into complaints about the erasable ink, while warning against attempts to create confusion among voters. The SEC clarified that any effort to remove the indelible ink or vote again would be illegal and punishable.

“Attempts to remove the indelible ink applied on voters’ fingers at polling stations and thereby create confusion in the voting process are illegal. If any person is found trying to vote again after removing the ink mark, appropriate legal action will be taken against them,” the SEC stated.

The poll body further explained that even if the ink mark is removed, the voter cannot cast a second vote, as a record is maintained once the vote is cast. Polling staff have been instructed to enforce these rules and to create awareness among voters.

The Maharashtra SEC’s inquiry aims to examine the claims about erasable ink and ensure transparency during the civic elections. Meanwhile, the issue has sparked a wider debate on voter confidence and the safeguards needed to maintain election integrity, especially in the context of allegations of political bias.

As the inquiry proceeds, the row highlights the importance of voter trust and underscores opposition concerns about maintaining a credible and fair electoral process in the state.