‘Is it getting erased?’: Fadnavis asks as he scratches his finger after voting, dismisses Raj Thackeray’s marker pen claims

#WATCH | Nagpur | On MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s statement, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, “I have also been marked with a marker, is it erasing? The Election Commission should look into this issue and use something else, they can use oil paint if they want, the elections… https://t.co/YQeMZvhZV7 pic.twitter.com/mKN0wDfmDk

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026

“In a democracy, there should be free and fair polls is our insistence. Unfortunately, some Opposition leaders, unsure of their performance, are setting the narrative. I would think they are trying to pre-empt the poll results to justify their failure in advance.”

Earlier in the day, Raj Thackeray claimed that the whole system and administration are being misused to help the ruling alliance.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Thackeray alleged that at several polling booths, voters were being marked with markers instead of indelible ink. He claimed the marks could be wiped off with sanitiser, allowing repeat voting.

“People come out, wipe the ink and go back inside to vote again. Then they come out, wipe it again and re-enter. Is this what the government calls development?” Thackeray asked.

Voting is a duty, says Fadnavis

Fadnavis said the local body elections in 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra are crucial for the development of cities.

“I urge every citizen to come out and vote. If you believe in democracy, you should vote. It is not only your fundamental right but also a duty,” said Fadnavis.

Regarding the incident of violence in which Opposition workers allegedly assaulted BJP candidate Bhushan Shingne, Fadnavis said, “The physical attack on Bhushan Shingne and other BJP activists was a cowardly act. Bhushan Shingne suffered a fractured hand and head injuries.”

He added that the Opposition’s attempts to intimidate BJP candidates will not deter their workers. “I condemn the violence. In a democracy, such dastardly acts are unacceptable.”

Voting for 29 other municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the high-profile Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Thane, Nagpur, Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, began Thursday morning.

The state government has declared a holiday in municipal corporation areas to encourage voting. Around 15,931 candidates are in the fray for around 2,869 seats. The counting of votes will be conducted Friday.