“Illegal and misleading…”: Election Commission Dismisses Claims of Erasable Ink Used in BMC Polls

The State Election Commission on Thursday rejected allegations that the ink used to mark voters’ fingers during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections can be wiped off using acetone, warning that attempts to create confusion around the voting process are illegal and will invite action.

Responding after videos circulated online claiming the ink could be removed, the Commission said polling staff have been instructed to prevent any repeat voting and stressed that electoral records make multiple voting impossible even if a mark is tampered with. “Attempts to remove the indelible ink applied on voters’ fingers and thereby create confusion in the voting process are illegal,” the Commission said in a statement, adding that anyone found trying to vote again after removing the mark would face legal consequences.

The poll body further clarified that voters who attempt to erase the ink will not be allowed to cast their ballots again. “After a voter casts their vote, a record is maintained. Therefore, even if the ink mark is removed, the voter cannot vote again,” it said, noting that fresh instructions have been issued to polling personnel.

The clarification came amid a political row after opposition leaders and voters claimed on social media that the finger mark could be erased using acetone or nail polish remover. Several videos purportedly showing the ink fading after washing or chemical application went viral during the day.

Mumbai Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Varsha Gaikwad shared one such video on X, alleging lapses in election management. “Since morning we have been receiving several reports of how the marker ink being used to show voting has been done is easily being wiped off,” she wrote, claiming that acetone could remove the mark. She also flagged other issues, including missing names on voter lists and technical problems with the election website.

As the controversy escalated, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation dismissed the allegations, calling reports of the ink being wiped off incorrect. However, the State Election Commission subsequently ordered an inquiry into the complaints.

Addressing reporters later, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said the claims were misleading. “The indelible ink used in the markers has been in use since 2011. The ink takes 10 to 12 seconds to dry, and once it dries, it cannot be wiped off,” he said, warning that circulating videos to mislead voters could attract legal action.

The issue also drew sharp criticism from Raj Thackeray, who alleged that traditional indelible ink had been replaced with marker pens. “If you use hand sanitiser, the ink disappears. This makes it easy to wipe off the mark and vote again,” he claimed, accusing the government of undermining electoral safeguards.​