Controversy Erupts Over Mumbai BMC Elections Amid Voting Process

The recent BMC elections in Mumbai have stirred controversy due to allegations that the ink used on voters' fingers can be easily erased. This claim has led to widespread criticism of the ruling BJP government, prompting the Election Commission to investigate. With a voter turnout of 41.08% recorded by afternoon, the elections saw participation from notable political figures and Bollywood celebrities. Concerns over technical issues and potential tampering have also been raised, with former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray criticizing the electoral process. Discover more about the unfolding events and the implications for democracy in Mumbai.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 15, 2026, 18:37 IST

Voting Concludes for BMC and 28 Other Municipal Elections in Maharashtra

Voting has successfully concluded for the crucial BMC elections in Mumbai, along with elections for 28 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra. The BMC elections have sparked controversy due to allegations that the ink used on voters' fingers can be easily erased with acetone. This claim has gone viral on the internet, prompting several opposition leaders to criticize the ruling BJP government. In response, the Election Commission issued a statement dismissing concerns about the possibility of voters casting their ballots twice and has ordered an investigation into the matter.

Voter Turnout and Key Figures

Polling began at 7:30 AM under tight security and concluded at 5:30 PM, with 1,700 candidates vying for 227 councilor positions in the country's wealthiest municipal corporation. As of 1:30 PM, the highest voter turnout was recorded at 41.08% in Ward 114 of the eastern suburban area, indicating strong participation in certain parts of Mumbai. Conversely, Ward 227 in South Mumbai saw the lowest turnout at just 11.24% during the first six hours.

Political Dynamics and Celebrity Participation

As voting commenced for the 29 municipal bodies in Maharashtra on Thursday, all eyes were on Mumbai, where an interesting contest unfolded between the BJP-led alliance and the Thackeray brothers' coalition for control of the economically significant BMC. Notable political figures participating in the elections included Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), his cousin Raj Thackeray, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, and former Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik. Several film personalities, such as Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Gulzar, and Hema Malini, also exercised their voting rights. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, along with his family, and former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar, were seen casting their votes in their respective wards.

Concerns Raised Over Voting Process

By 3:30 PM, a voter turnout of 41.08% was recorded in Mumbai. The ongoing BMC elections saw numerous Bollywood celebrities, including Salman Khan and Janhvi Kapoor, participating in the voting process. Prominent political figures were among the early voters. Maharashtra Minister Ganesh Naik and his family voted at the Bonkod polling station, while former Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Chandra faced criticism for not voting despite complaints from high-income voters about the process.

Technical Issues and Allegations

Leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT), Anand Dubey and Anil Parab, also cast their votes in Mumbai and expressed concerns regarding technical issues at polling stations. Dubey pointed out flaws on the Election Commission's website and irregularities in the display of digital ballots, while Parab claimed that the election ink could be erased, suggesting potential tampering. Uddhav Thackeray, the Shiv Sena UBT leader and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, criticized the process, citing missing voter names, outdated EVM machines, and ink irregularities. He labeled these incidents as a "blatant attack on democracy" and linked them to broader concerns surrounding the "One Nation, One Election" proposal.