Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday brushed aside allegations over the use of marker pens during civic body elections, remarking that authorities could even use “oil paint” if needed, but warned the Opposition against creating unnecessary controversy around the voting process.
Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in Nagpur, Fadnavis displayed his inked finger and rubbed it to demonstrate that the mark had not faded. “I have also been marked with a marker, is it erasing?” he said. “The Election Commission should look into this issue and use something else if required. They can use oil paint if they want; elections must be impartial. But creating chaos over everything and raising questions is very wrong.”
His remarks came amid a political row over claims that the ink used to mark voters’ fingers in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other municipal elections could be wiped off using acetone or hand sanitiser. Several videos circulated on social media, shared by opposition leaders and voters, purportedly showing the finger mark fading or disappearing.
The State Election Commission has rejected the allegations, calling attempts to remove the indelible ink “illegal” and warning that anyone found trying to vote again after tampering with the mark would face legal action. The Commission has said electoral records make repeat voting impossible even if the finger mark is interfered with, and has ordered an inquiry into the complaints.
Opposition leaders, however, have continued to raise concerns, arguing that the use of marker pens instead of traditional indelible ink undermines voter confidence. Raj Thackeray alleged that the new markers could be easily erased, making repeat voting possible, while Congress leaders shared videos claiming the ink could be removed with acetone or nail polish remover.
Election authorities and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation have dismissed the claims as misleading, insisting that the ink has been in use for years and cannot be wiped off once it dries.
