Maharashtra BMC Polls Spark Controversy Over Use of Marker Pen Ink and Election Integrity

During the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, opposition parties including MNS, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress alleged that marker pens, rather than traditional indelible ink, were used to mark voters' fingers, claiming the ink could be easily removed with substances like acetone or sanitizer, raising concerns about potential double voting. The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) and BMC denied these claims, stating the ink is indelible, has been used since 2011 in marker form, and that safeguards prevent re-voting. The SEC ordered a probe into the allegations and announced a return to traditional ink for upcoming polls. Legal action was warned against attempts to remove ink or commit fraud, while political leaders debated the issue amid calls for vigilance and transparency.