BMC Election Ink Controversy Erupts as Opposition Alleges Marker Use
Voting for the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election began on Thursday amid serious allegations from Opposition leaders. They claim voters at several polling booths received marks from markers instead of proper indelible ink.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis quickly dismissed these allegations. He stated the Opposition was simply staring at defeat and looking for excuses in advance.
"Wipe and Vote Again" Claims Surface
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray raised strong objections after casting his vote in Dadar. He told reporters the mark on voters' fingers could be wiped off with simple sanitiser.
"People come out, wipe the ink, and go back inside to vote again," Thackeray alleged. "Then they come out, wipe it again and re-enter. Is this what the government calls development?"
He accused the entire system of working to ensure victory for those in power. According to Thackeray, this was not how free and fair elections should be conducted.
Multiple Opposition Leaders Voice Concerns
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray confirmed he had received similar reports. The former chief minister expressed shock at the situation.
Maharashtra Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar joined the criticism. He alleged the marker used to apply ink was sub-standard and easily wiped off.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab made an even stronger claim. "There is no need for sanitisers also," Parab stated. "The ink can be wiped away without that too."
Yuva Sena leader Sainath Durge shared his personal experience. "I voted in the morning and reached home," Durge explained. "When I washed my hands using Dettol, the ink washed away completely."
He called this a serious issue that raised real possibilities of bogus voting. Opposition parties said they received similar complaints from booth-level workers and voters across Mumbai.
Official Responses and Actions
Chief Minister Fadnavis remained firm in his dismissal after voting in Nagpur. He called the allegations wrong and premature.
However, BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani took a different approach. He acknowledged the concerns and instructed officials to use ink that adheres properly to skin, not just nails.
Interestingly, Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat confirmed some truth to the claims. "I think this is happening for the first time," Shirsat admitted. "It is true that the marker ink is being wiped away."
He suggested poll officials should be extra vigilant to prevent potential bogus voting. The Opposition has demanded immediate investigation by the Election Commission.
One Opposition leader emphasized the seriousness of the situation. "Even a small lapse can damage people's trust in the voting process," they warned.
The controversy continues as Mumbai voters participate in this crucial municipal election.
