Concerns Arise Over Voting Procedures in Maharashtra Municipal Elections

Opposition Voices Concerns During Municipal Elections

As voting commenced in 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra on Thursday, opposition parties expressed their apprehensions regarding the use of marker pens on voters' fingers instead of traditional indelible ink.

The counting of votes is scheduled for Friday.

Raj Thackeray, the leader of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, highlighted complaints regarding the marker pens, stating, "Using hand sanitiser can cause the ink to disappear," as reported by various news sources.

Thackeray further alleged that the administration was favoring the ruling party, claiming, "This is not indicative of a healthy democracy. We must remain vigilant against the misuse of power." He urged supporters to monitor any instances of re-voting and ink removal.

Uddhav Thackeray, during a press conference, accused the Election Commission and the ruling coalition of collusion, declaring, "This is a blatant attack on democracy."

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant remarked that the ink from the marker could easily be removed with nail polish remover.

In response, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis demonstrated how the ink could be wiped off and suggested that the Election Commission should consider alternative methods, such as oil paint, to ensure fair elections. He criticized the uproar surrounding the issue.

Mumbai's Municipal Commissioner, Bhushan Gagrani, stated that the administration would look into the complaints regarding marker pen usage. He noted that while the ink on nails could be removed, the ink on skin was more durable.

Election Commission Responds to Allegations

In light of the allegations, the State Election Commission asserted that any attempt to erase the ink on a voter's finger constitutes malpractice aimed at creating confusion among voters.

They warned that if someone is found to have erased the ink and attempts to vote again, legal action would be taken. The Commission emphasized that safeguards are in place to prevent such occurrences.

Once a vote is cast, a record is maintained, ensuring that merely erasing the ink does not allow a voter to participate again. Authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant regarding this matter.

Polling took place in major cities including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Nashik, and Navi Mumbai.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, known as India's wealthiest civic body, operates with an annual budget exceeding Rs 74,400 crore.

Six significant political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress, two factions of Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party, are contesting in these elections, forming various alliances across the 29 municipal corporations.