Thackerays claim pens being used to mark fingers during BMC elections, poll body responds: 'Creating confusion among voters...'

Thackerays have claimed that pens are being used to mark fingers during BMC elections

• Raj Thackeray alleges marker pens used instead of indelible ink in BMC elections
• Election Commission refutes claims, confirms marker pens used since 2011.
• Concerns about PADU misuse and malpractice in Mumbai civic elections.

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Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday alleged irregularities in the marking of voters’ fingers during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, claiming that marker pens are being used instead of indelible ink in Mumbai.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote for the 227 ward BMC polls, Thackeray said the ink mark on voters’ fingers could be easily removed. “Now, the only option left is to apply the ink, go outside, wipe it off, and then go back inside and vote again,” Thackeray said, alleging that the mark can be wiped off with sanitiser.

He accused the government of misusing the administrative machinery to influence the civic polls. “They (the government) don't want the Opposition parties. The entire administration is being run by the government (to win the polls). This is not the sign of a healthy democracy. There is a limit to misuse of power,” he said.

Thackeray also raised concerns over the use of the Printing Auxiliary Display Unit in the BMC elections. PADU is being deployed for the first time in these civic polls as a backup system to aid vote counting in case of technical issues with electronic voting machines. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani had earlier said the units would remain with Returning Officers and would be used only during emergencies.

The MNS chief alleged that the State Election Commission failed to adequately clarify the use of PADU and accused it of extending canvassing hours to enable the distribution of money by ruling parties. He urged party workers to remain vigilant against possible malpractices, noting that Mumbai was witnessing civic elections after a gap since 2017.

Echoing similar concerns, Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray’s cousin, said he had been receiving calls since morning about the ink marks fading. He also said voters were complaining about missing names in the electoral rolls.

The State Election Commission rejected the allegations, stating that it was “not possible” for a voter to cast a ballot again by wiping off the ink. “Creating confusion among voters by attempting to wipe off the ink from their finger is a wrongful act,” the commission said, warning that strict action would be taken against anyone found voting after removing the ink. It also clarified that marker pens have been in use since 2011.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also dismissed the claims. “I have also been marked with a marker. Is it erasing?” he asked reporters in Nagpur while attempting to rub off the ink. He added, “The Election Commission should look into this issue and use something else; they can use oil paint if they want.”