Controversy increases regarding erasable ink in BMC elections, State Election Commission gives clarification

Maharashtra: A big controversy has arisen amid voting on the day of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in Mumbai. In viral videos and claims on social media, it is being said that the ‘indelible’ ink applied on the fingers of voters can be easily erased. Opposition leaders have raised questions calling it a serious case of irregularities in the electoral process.

Video of claim goes viral on social media

As soon as voting started, many people and political leaders started sharing videos on social media, in which it was shown that finger ink can be cleaned with acetone or nail polish remover. Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Varsha Gaikwad also posted a video, in which her aide and his wife are seen erasing the ink with acetone.

He wrote that many complaints have been received since morning and this ink is being easily erased. He accused BMC and Election Commission of lack of transparency. Raj Thackeray also claimed in the press conference that instead of the original indelible ink used earlier, marker pen is now being used, the mark of which can be removed even with hand sanitizer. He called it a conspiracy to save the power of the government.

State Election Commission’s clear stance

The State Election Commission (SEC) immediately responded to these allegations. The Commission said that efforts to erase the ink are illegal and an attempt is being made to create confusion in the election process. The SEC warned that if any person tries to cast his vote again after erasing the ink, strict legal action will be taken against him.

The Commission clarified that after the voter casts his vote, his record gets registered in the system. Therefore, even if the ink is erased, re-voting is not possible. Polling staff have already been instructed to deal with such cases. The Commission appealed to all parties to remain alert and avoid such wrongdoings.

#WATCH | Nagpur | On MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s statement, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "I have also been marked with a marker, is it erasing? The Election Commission should look into this issue and use something else, they can use oil paint if they want, the elections… pic.twitter.com/mKN0wDfmDk

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026

Chief Minister Fadnavis rejected the allegations

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rejected Raj Thackeray’s allegations and said that the opposition is creating ruckus on every small thing. He said that his own finger was also marked with a marker and the elections should be fair. He suggested that if necessary, an alternative like oil paint can be adopted, but it is wrong to create unnecessary controversy.