SEC orders probe after controversy erupts in Maharashtra over ink that is ‘not indelible’

Waghmare said the SEC would revert to the traditional method of applying ink in the Zilla Parishad polls. “We will use the traditional ink used in Lok Sabha and Assembly polls,” he said.

The controversy erupted after Opposition leaders alleged that voters at several polling booths were being marked with marker pens instead of indelible ink, and that the ink was being erased easily using acetone or sanitiser.

The issue escalated further after Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray accused Waghmare of “openly siding” with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party–led alliance and demanded his suspension. The SEC, however, refuted claims that the ink could be erased easily, ordered a probe into the complaints, and warned of action against those “creating confusion” during the civic elections.

Amid allegations and counter-allegations, SEC officials held a press conference to clarify their position. Waghmare said that the same ink that has always been used was being applied and that no new substance had been introduced. He said the SEC has been using this ink in marker pen form since 2011.

“The ink takes about 10 to 12 seconds to dry after being applied. During this time, the voter is still inside the polling booth. Once it dries, it cannot be removed. This is the same ink used by the Election Commission of India. If double voting takes place, action will be taken against the presiding officer of the polling booth,” Waghmare said.

Adding that a false narrative was being spread, the SEC said, “Voters also have a responsibility of not trying to rub off the ink. If the ink is removed before it dries, it is the voter’s fault. A criminal case can be registered against such voters.”

Waghmare added that videos circulating on social media would be investigated and action would be taken against those spreading misinformation. He also blamed the voters for confusion over polling booth locations, saying voters should have checked their booth details and names online in advance.

The issue was first raised publicly by MNS chief Raj Thackeray after he cast his vote in Dadar. “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,” he asked, alleging that the system was being misused to benefit the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

Speaking to reporters later, Thackeray claimed the ink could be wiped off with sanitiser, making repeat voting possible. “The entire system is working to ensure the victory of those in power. This is not how free and fair elections are conducted,” he said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said he had also received reports of ink being washed away. “This is shocking,” the former Chief Minister said, accusing Waghmare of siding with the ruling alliance and demanding his suspension.

Maharashtra Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar alleged that the marker pen used to apply the ink was sub-standard and could be easily wiped off. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLC Anil Parab echoed the concern, saying, “There is no need for sanitisers also; the ink can be wiped away without that too.”

Yuva Sena leader Sainath Durge claimed that he could wash off the ink using Dettol. “I think this is a serious issue and raises the possibility of bogus voting. This is the reason why we have been speaking about it,” he said.

Opposition parties said they had received similar complaints from booth-level workers and voters and demanded immediate intervention by the Election Commission. “Even a small lapse can damage people’s trust in the voting process,” an Opposition leader said.

SEC’s warning

In a statement, the SEC said attempting to create confusion by wiping off the ink applied on voters’ fingers was an offence. “If any person is found attempting to vote again after wiping off the ink on their finger, appropriate legal action will be taken,” it said.

The SEC added that even if someone attempted malpractice by removing the ink, the voter would not be able to vote again due to other safeguards. “After a voter casts their vote, an official record of the voting is maintained. Therefore, merely wiping off the ink does not make it possible for a voter to cast vote again. Instructions to remain vigilant in this matter have once again been issued to all officials,” the statement said.

The Commission also reiterated that following orders issued on November 19, 2011, and November 28, 2011, marker pens have been used to apply ink during local body elections. As per these orders, the ink must be applied clearly and rubbed three to four times on the nail and the skin above it.

Opp looking for excuses: Fadnavis

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Opposition’s concerns about foul play even before polling has concluded in the corporation polls reflect a defeatist mindset. He said the Opposition appears to be trying to establish a narrative to justify their potential loss ahead of the results.

After exercising his vote in his hometown Nagpur, Fadnavis, scratching his finger marked during voting, said, “I have also been marked with a marker, is it getting erased?… If there are issues related to machines or marker pen, the Election Commission should look into it and use something else; they can use oil paint if they want. The elections should be impartial. But creating a ruckus on everything and raising questions is very wrong.”

“In a democracy, there should be free and fair polls… 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,” the CM said.

Referring to the SEC’s clarification, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said, “I spoke to Suresh Kakani (SEC official) about it. He said that the same ink has been used for several years. This time, instead of directly from bottle, they used it from marker. I think the SEC is vigilant to avoid bogus voting.”

Acknowledging concerns, Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat said, “I think this is happening for the first time. It is true that the marker ink is being wiped away… Hence, not everywhere, but in some places, there is a possibility of bogus voting. I think poll officials should be vigilant.”

BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde said, “If there is problem with ink, poll officials should be held responsible. It is unfair to hold BJP responsible for the same.”

Leaders from ruling alliance partners Shiv Sena and the NCP also raised concerns. State Women’s Commission chairperson and NCP leader Rupali Chakankar demanded a probe into complaints of ink removal and bogus voting and said she had written to the State Election , seeking action.