Mumbai BMC Elections Witness Moderate Turnout Amidst Major Ink Dispute
Voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and 28 other municipal bodies in Maharashtra concluded on Thursday with an approximate 50 percent turnout. The polling process unfolded under a cloud of controversy as allegations emerged that the so-called indelible ink on voters' fingers could be easily removed.
Polling Figures and Historical Context
State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare announced the preliminary figures shortly after voting ended at 5:30 PM. He stated the turnout across the 29 civic bodies ranged between 46 and 50 percent. Officials will declare the exact numbers later.
This election marks a significant event after a nine-year gap, delayed by four years. The 2017 BMC elections saw a higher participation rate of 55.53 percent in Mumbai. The average voting figure for 26 corporations back then was 56.35 percent. Elections were held for the first time in Jalna and Ichalkaranji municipal corporations during that cycle.
The Stakes in Mumbai's Civic Battle
All eyes were on Mumbai, where the political contest was intense. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance faced a tough fight against the reunited Thackeray cousins for control of India's largest and wealthiest civic body. The BMC manages an annual budget exceeding ₹74,400 crore.
Voters decided the fate of 1,700 candidates contesting for 227 seats in Mumbai. Across the state, a total of 3.48 crore eligible voters participated in elections for 2,869 seats spread over 893 wards in the 29 municipal corporations. Polling began at 7:30 AM and concluded at 5:30 PM.
Except for Mumbai, the 28 other urban bodies feature multi-member wards. Authorities deployed more than 25,000 police personnel across Mumbai to ensure a smooth and secure voting process.
Controversy Over 'Indelible' Ink Erupts
As voting commenced on Thursday morning, social media platforms were flooded with videos. These clips showed ordinary voters, politicians, and some media persons using substances like acetone to wipe off the ink from their fingers. The ink is traditionally applied to prevent multiple voting.
The State Election Commission swiftly rejected these allegations. It issued warnings about taking action against those spreading such claims. However, political leaders raised their voices in protest.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray termed the alleged irregularities an attempt to murder democracy. He urged voters to remove what he called the brutal, fraud, corrupt, and dictatorial regime of the BJP from power.
Uddhav Thackeray and his cousin Raj Thackeray, who leads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, targeted the State Election Commission on multiple issues. They specifically claimed the ink used on voters' fingers could be easily erased using simple items like hand sanitizer.
During a news conference, Uddhav demanded the suspension of Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare. He alleged collusion between the poll body and the state government. Uddhav described the SEC as an anti-constitutional body, stating such irregularities had never happened before.
Raj Thackeray also criticized the SEC for using the Printing Auxiliary Display Unit in the civic polls. He accused the commission of failing to clarify its use and extending canvassing time to allow ruling parties to distribute money.
Political Leaders and Officials Respond
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cast his vote in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections. He dismissed the ink controversy, asking if the mark on his own finger was erasing. Fadnavis stated that creating a ruckus over everything and raising constant questions was wrong.
After voting in Nagpur, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized the importance of citizen participation in a democracy. He said voting is necessary to elect a government and it is the duty of every citizen to vote.
Bollywood Celebrities Exercise Their Franchise
A host of Bollywood personalities stepped out to vote in the Mumbai civic polls. Stars like Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan expressed hope that the right candidates would win. They highlighted crucial issues like infrastructure challenges and pollution.
Other notable voters included actors Hema Malini, Saira Banu, Shabana Azmi, John Abraham, Ranbir Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Janhvi Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Paresh Rawal, and screenwriter Salim Khan.
Akshay Kumar, one of the first to arrive at his polling booth, stressed the importance of making informed voting choices. The 58-year-old superstar encouraged Mumbaikars to see voting day as a chance to wield their remote control over public representatives.
His wife, Twinkle Khanna, also voted and shared her thoughts. She said voting gives a sense of control and a little bit of power over the narrative. Khanna mentioned she votes out of habit and hope.
BJP MP Hema Malini joined actors Nana Patekar, Suniel Shetty, and musician Vishal Dadlani in appealing to Mumbaikars to cast their votes. Notably, Nana Patekar travelled for three hours from Pune to fulfil his civic responsibility in Mumbai.
Cricket Icon Sachin Tendulkar Casts His Vote
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar arrived with his wife Anjali Tendulkar and daughter Sara Tendulkar to vote at the Pali-Chimbai Municipal School in Bandra. Sachin emphasized the election's importance, stating it gives citizens a chance to express their opinions through voting.
Election Background and Counting Schedule
The BMC elections faced significant delays due to multiple factors. These included the COVID-19 pandemic, Supreme Court rulings on OBC reservations, and issues related to ward delimitation. The last BMC polls were held in 2017.
The term of the corporators ended on March 7, 2022. Subsequent elections could not be held in time, resulting in the civic body being placed under an administrator. The vote count for all 29 municipal corporations is scheduled to begin at 10 AM on January 16.
