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Marker Pen Marks Trigger Uproar in Maharashtra Civic Polls as SEC Calls Practice Routine

Election officials call the pens standard practice, with Mumbai’s civic body pledging inquiries after videos showed marks being wiped.

Overview

  • Voters and opposition leaders posted videos showing finger marks disappearing with acetone or sanitizer, raising fears of double voting.
  • The State Election Commission’s PRO said marker pens have been used in local-body polls since 2012 and maintained the mark sets after a few minutes.
  • The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation rejected reports that its chief acknowledged ink being wiped off and said he made no such statement.
  • Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said complaints will be investigated, noting early observations that marks on nails can fade but skin marks persist.
  • Polling day also saw complaints about voter lists and booth allotments and some EVM issues, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the commission should examine the ink concern.