Reacting to MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s claim that the poll panel is using markers instead of indelible ink, Fadnavis said, “I have also been marked with a marker, is it erasing?”
File Photo: IANS
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday played down the ink row in Maharashtra municipal polls, saying the Opposition leaders were trying to find excuses for their defeat.
Reacting to MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s claim that the poll panel is using markers instead of indelible ink, Fadnavis said, “I have also been marked with a marker, is it erasing?”
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He, however, asserted that the Election Commission should look into this issue 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,” he added.
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His remarks came after Raj Thackeray alleged use of low-quality ink, which is easily being removed, saying that the BJP-led Mahayuti government wants to win the municipal elections at all costs. “Traditionally, indelible ink was used, but now markers are being used instead. This mark is being wiped off simply with sanitizer. Coming to power through such fraudulent elections cannot be called a democracy.”
He further added, “They are repeating what they did during the Assembly elections, but we will not let it happen.”
Reacting to the allegations, the State Election Commission (SEC) said that the markers being used were manufactured by the same company that supplies the indelible ink. “The indelible ink used in the markers applied to voters’ fingers has been in use since 2011. The markers are manufactured by the same company and use the same ink composition,” Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare told reporters.
He further stated that the ink takes 10 to 12 seconds to dry after application, and once it dries, it cannot be wiped off. However, Waghmare said that circulating videos on social media regarding the ink to create confusion among voters is unacceptable and may invite legal action.
He said that precautionary measures are already in place to prevent malpractice, even if someone attempts to vote again by wiping off the ink. “Precautionary measures are already in place to prevent this. Since every voter’s participation is recorded immediately after they cast their vote, merely erasing the ink does not enable them to vote again. All concerned officials have been re-instructed to remain vigilant regarding this matter,” he added.
Voting for the municipal elections is underway across all 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). A voter turnout of 29.22% has been recorded till 1.30 pm in all 29 municipal seats, as per the State Election Commission. The counting of votes will take place on Friday, January 16.
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