Maharashtra Election Commission Clarifies: Finger Ink Tampering Won’t Allow Second Vote

Mumbai: Amid the ongoing voting for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, the state Election Commission has issued a clarification regarding concerns over finger ink smudging and the alleged use of markers instead of traditional ink. The Commission warned that any attempt to tamper with ink on the finger will not allow a voter to cast a second vote, as all voting records are meticulously maintained.

The controversy escalated after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray alleged the use of marker pens in place of conventional ink. Actor-turned-politician Rohit Pawar and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also highlighted the issue, claiming that voters’ ink marks were disappearing, raising concerns over election integrity.

EC Issues Strong Warning

In a statement, the Maharashtra State Election Commission emphasized that attempting to remove ink from the finger to cast multiple votes is illegal and will prompt legal action. “Even if someone tries to tamper with the ink, the voter will not be allowed to vote again,” the Commission clarified. Authorities have been instructed to ensure that election officials apply ink correctly, so that it cannot be erased.

The Commission also reiterated that precautions are already in place. After voting, every voter’s record is securely maintained, preventing any fraudulent attempts. All personnel involved in the election have been advised to remain vigilant.

Marker Pens Have Historical Precedent

The Commission cited past orders from November 19 and 28, 2011, regarding the use of marker pens to mark voters’ fingers. Since then, marker pens have been used in local body elections to ensure clear visibility of the ink on the finger. Guidelines specify that ink should be applied multiple times over the nail and surrounding skin to ensure durability, a procedure that also applies to marker pens.

The Election Commission concluded with an appeal to all voters: attempts to erase or tamper with ink will not succeed, and election officials are prepared to enforce strict compliance to safeguard the democratic process.