Karnataka CM Raises Concerns Over Allegations of Voter Fraud in BMC Elections

Concerns Over Allegations of Voter Fraud

On Friday, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his worries regarding reports claiming that the ink used on voters' fingers during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections could be easily removed. He described this situation as 'another disturbing chapter of vote theft.'

Siddaramaiah emphasized that the integrity of each vote is crucial for the preservation of democracy. He insisted that the credibility of electoral security measures must not be compromised.

The BMC elections, held on Thursday after a nine-year hiatus, are currently undergoing vote counting. Early results indicate that the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance is likely to secure a clear majority.

In a post on the social media platform X, Siddaramaiah stated, 'Today, reports regarding the BMC elections and viral videos on social media show that the so-called indelible ink can be easily erased with sanitizers, acetone, and other substances, raising serious concerns about electoral credibility that resonate both within Maharashtra and beyond.'

He further remarked, 'This is not an isolated incident but rather another troubling chapter in the broader narrative of vote theft, where genuine questions are met with denial, evasion, or silence. Trust in democratic institutions is diminishing.'

The Chief Minister added, 'Weakening fundamental security measures and ignoring citizens' concerns does not protect democracy; it harms it. The Election Commission must now act with transparency, accountability, and corrective measures.'

The Congress party, under the leadership of its prominent figure Rahul Gandhi, is launching a nationwide campaign against the alleged 'vote theft.' The main opposition party is targeting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission over this issue.