SEC's decision after marker pen controversy in Maharashtra civic elections (file photo)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. Recently, in the municipal elections held in Maharashtra, there was a controversy regarding the ink applied with marker pen. Videos surfaced on social media in which ink marks were seen getting erased. Questions were raised whether this could lead to fake voting. Now after this controversy, the State Election Commission (SEC) has taken a big decision.
The State Election Commission has decided to again use bottled indelible ink instead of marker pens in the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections to be held on February 5. State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said that the Commission wants to be cautious, hence this step has been taken.
Video viral on social media
As soon as voting started on the day of Municipal Corporation elections, many videos went viral on social media. In these videos it was claimed that the ink mark applied on the finger can be easily erased. Some voters said that the mark became lighter within a day. However, some voters said that the mark was lighter but not completely erased.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray demanded suspension of the state election commissioner and accused him of favoring the ruling alliance. MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also raised questions on the quality of the ink.
At the same time, NCP leader and State Women Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar said that the use of bottled ink is safer, as is done in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Congress leader Sachin Sawant also shared a video, in which the ink was seen being removed with nail polish remover. In response to this, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that controversy is being created due to the defeat.
In view of the controversy, the State Election Commission has instructed all the municipal corporations to send samples of used and new 5-6 marker pens for lab testing. The investigation report is said to come in a week.
The commission made it clear
The Commission made it clear that if a voter tries to remove the ink, it is a punishable offence. Also, removing the ink does not make it possible to vote again as the voting records remain with the authorities. The Commission has also warned of legal action against those spreading misleading videos and rumours.
Since when has ink been used?
Let us tell you, indelible ink is being used in elections in India since 1962. It contains silver nitrate, which forms a dark mark when it comes in contact with skin and light. This mark usually lasts for 3-4 days on the skin and 2-4 weeks on the nails. Marker-based ink was being used in local body elections since 2011, but now the commission has again returned to bottled ink.
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