The Maharashtra State Election Commission issued a firm clarification on Thursday. The commission stated that any effort to erase the indelible ink applied to a voter's finger amounts to electoral malpractice. This clarification came in response to serious allegations about irregularities in ongoing local body elections.
Allegations Spark Commission Response
Earlier on Thursday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray raised concerns about the civic polls. He claimed the indelible ink used on voters' fingers could be easily wiped off. Thackeray suggested people could use common items like nail polish remover or hand sanitiser to remove the mark. This, he alleged, might allow some individuals to vote multiple times. Thackeray pointed to possible collusion between the ruling Mahayuti alliance and the State Election Commission itself.
SEC Defines Malpractice and Assures Action
The State Election Commission responded directly to these claims. In an official statement, the SEC defined the act clearly. Erasing the ink from a finger and attempting to vote again falls squarely under electoral malpractice. The commission warned that legal action would follow if such acts were discovered.
"If it is found that a person has erased the ink from their finger and attempted to vote again, appropriate legal action will be taken against them," the commission declared.
Safeguards Prevent Double Voting
The SEC emphasized that the system contains strong safeguards. Simply removing the ink does not enable a person to cast a second ballot. Detailed records of who has voted are maintained at polling stations. The commission's statement explained this crucial point.
"Even if someone attempts to commit malpractice by erasing the ink, the concerned voter cannot vote again. Necessary safeguards are already in place. Once a voter has cast their vote, it is recorded. Therefore, merely erasing the ink does not allow a voter to vote again," the statement read.
Fresh Vigilance Orders Issued
In light of the allegations, the commission has taken proactive steps. It issued fresh instructions to all relevant authorities. These instructions mandate increased vigilance at polling stations to prevent any malpractice. The goal is to ensure the integrity of the electoral process remains intact.
Standard Procedure for Indelible Ink
The SEC also detailed the standard procedure for applying the voter ink. Orders from November 2011 mandate the use of specific marker pens in local self-government elections. These marker pens have been in use for civic polls since that time.
The commission's statement outlined the correct application method. The ink must be applied with a marker pen to ensure clear visibility. Officials must rub the ink three to four times on both the voter's nail and the skin above it. These instructions are printed directly on the marker pens and have been reiterated to polling staff.
Appeal to Voters and Polling Details
The State Election Commission made a direct appeal to the public. It urged voters not to attempt any such malpractices. The commission stressed the importance of maintaining a fair and transparent election.
Polling for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and 28 other municipal corporations began at 7:30 AM on Thursday. Voting continued until 5:30 PM. The counting of votes is scheduled for Friday, January 16. The commission's statement aims to bolster public confidence in this critical democratic exercise.
