Maharashtra SEC Chief Addresses Ink Controversy in Civic Polls
Maharashtra State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare has issued a strong clarification regarding the ink used in the ongoing municipal corporation elections. This comes after opposition parties raised serious concerns about the voting process.
Marker Pen Ink Has Been Standard Since 2011
Dinesh Waghmare stated clearly that the State Election Commission uses indelible ink applied through a marker pen. He emphasized that this system has been operational since 2011. "We are using indelible ink, which is also used by the Election Commission of India. However, this indelible ink comes in a marker pen," Waghmare explained in his official statement.
The commissioner addressed circulating videos showing ink being wiped off fingers. He called these attempts to create confusion among voters. "The marker pen ink cannot be erased. It dries up in 10-15 seconds. And for these seconds, the voter remains in the polling centre after it is applied on his finger," Waghmare asserted.
Opposition Leaders Voice Serious Concerns
Several prominent opposition figures have challenged the election process. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray made striking allegations after casting his vote in Dadar. He claimed voters could wipe off the ink mark using sanitiser and vote multiple times.
"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 questioned reporters.
Other leaders echoed similar concerns:
- Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray
- Maharashtra Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar
- Shiv Sena MLC Anil Parab
- Yuva Sena leader Sainath Durge
All these leaders alleged that the marker ink could be easily removed from voters' fingers.
Polling Process and Complaint Mechanism
Waghmare detailed the standard voting procedure to address concerns. When a voter arrives at the polling centre, representatives of candidates help identify them. After proper identification, the voter can exercise their franchise.
"If the representatives have any complaints, they can register them with the presiding officer," Waghmare stated. He added that if a voter attempts to vote again and candidate representatives object, an investigation can be initiated against that voter.
Additional Complaints Surface
Activist Vijay Kumbhar reported broader issues beyond the ink controversy. "Not just erasing of ink on the finger, but several complaints regarding the voting process have come up from voters in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad," Kumbhar revealed. He suggested the State Election Commission has been inadequate in addressing these concerns.
The controversy has put the State Election Commission under intense scrutiny during these crucial municipal corporation elections. Both sides present conflicting narratives about the integrity of the voting process.
