Indelible Ink at Center of Maharashtra Civic Polls Dispute
In Maharashtra, a routine election practice has ignited a major political controversy. During the municipal corporation elections held on Thursday, opposition parties are raising alarms. They claim that the indelible ink, meant to prevent multiple voting, is coming off too easily. This issue has sparked fears of electoral malpractice across the state.
What Is Indelible Ink and Its Purpose?
Indelible ink serves a simple but crucial role in Indian elections. Officials apply it to a voter's finger after they cast their ballot. The primary goal is to ensure no one votes more than once. This purple mark should remain visible for several days and resist easy removal.
History and Production of the Ink
India introduced indelible ink in 1962 during its third general election. The Election Commission of India adopted this method to safeguard the voting process. Scientists at the National Physical Laboratory developed the original formula. Today, Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited, a government-owned company in Karnataka, manufactures all the ink used in Indian elections. This company also supplies the ink to several other countries worldwide.
Composition and Application Methods
The ink contains silver nitrate, which reacts with skin and light to create a dark stain. A dye is added for clear visibility. The stain fades only as the outer skin layer wears away. Typically, polling staff apply the ink to the left index finger, targeting the nail and its base where removal is harder. They use bottles, brushes, or marker pens for application. In the recent Maharashtra elections, marker pens dispensed the ink instead of direct brushing.
Expected Duration and Variability
Election officials state that the ink mark should stay visible on the skin for three to four days. On the nail, it may last from two to four weeks. However, the duration can vary based on skin type and the correctness of application.
Root of the Controversy in Maharashtra
The controversy erupted when voters and opposition parties reported that the ink was wiping off too easily. Social media videos showed people removing the marks with sanitizer or nail polish remover, particularly where marker pens were used. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray accused the government and election authorities of weakening safeguards against voting malpractices. This has led to widespread concern about the integrity of the electoral process.
Election Authorities' Response
State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare and other officials have addressed the allegations. They argue that even if the ink is removed, other system checks prevent duplicate voting. Authorities also note that the use of marker pens in local body elections has been permitted since 2011. They emphasize that multiple layers of security exist to maintain election fairness.
The indelible ink row highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring transparent elections. As investigations continue, voters and political groups await further clarity on this critical issue.
