Maharashtra Civic Elections: Ink Erasure Claims Surface as BMC Rejects Allegations, Voter List Issues Reported

Voting for the Maharashtra civic body elections witnessed heightened scrutiny on Thursday after videos circulated on social media claiming that indelible ink applied to voters’ fingers could be wiped off. The controversy surfaced amid polling across 29 municipal corporations, including the high-profile Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation dismissed the allegations, stating that reports suggesting the ink was removable were factually incorrect. Officials clarified that polling staff apply indelible ink to one finger of a voter’s left hand in accordance with established election procedures.

Political reactions quickly followed. Leaders from various parties raised concerns, with some alleging that removable ink could enable multiple voting. Separately, issues related to voter lists were also reported. Priyanka Chaturvedi stated that her name was missing from the voter list at her usual polling station, forcing her to cast her ballot at an alternative location.

Senior leaders and public figures across parties were seen voting through the day, including Uddhav Thackeray, Devendra Fadnavis, and Union minister Nitin Gadkari. Celebrities and sportspersons also turned up to vote, urging citizens to participate in the democratic process.

Authorities said security arrangements were tightened across sensitive areas, with police deployment reinforced near polling stations to ensure smooth conduct of voting. Election officials continued to monitor complaints related to ink usage, voter lists, and electronic voting machines as polling progressed.

As voting continued, the Election Commission and civic authorities reiterated appeals for calm, urging voters to rely on official updates and avoid misinformation while exercising their right to vote.