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Maharashtra SEC Warns Legal Action for Voter Ink Tampering

The Maharashtra State Election Commission has stated it will take legal action against voters who erase the ink mark on their fingers to attempt voting again. The SEC clarified that despite ink removal, a second vote is impossible as voter participation is recorded immediately. The issue was raised by opposition parties including Shiv Sena (UBT), MNS, and Congress, who accused the ruling alliance of fraud. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded that the Election Commission decides electoral procedures and suggested stricter measures like using oil paint.

Key Points: Maharashtra SEC to Act Against Voters Erasing Ink Mark

  • SEC warns legal action for ink erasure
  • Marker pens used per 2011 orders
  • Opposition alleges electoral fraud
  • Ink must be applied prominently
  • Officials instructed to stay vigilant
3 min read

Maha SEC: Will take legal action against voters who erase ink to commit malpractice

Maharashtra SEC warns of legal action against voters who erase finger ink to commit malpractice. MNS, Congress allege fraud in local body elections.

"Even if someone attempts to commit malpractice by wiping off the ink, they will not be able to cast a second vote. - State Election Commission"

Mumbai, Jan 15

Amid controversy over people allegedly wiping off the ink on their fingers immediately after casting votes, the Maharashtra State Election Commission on Thursday said that any attempt to erase the ink applied to one's finger to create confusion among voters is a serious act of misconduct. The SEC stated that if any individual is found attempting to vote again after erasing the ink, appropriate legal action will be initiated against them.

"Even if someone attempts to commit malpractice by wiping off the ink, they will not be able to cast a second vote. Precautionary measures are already in place to prevent this. Since every voter's participation is recorded immediately after they cast their vote, merely erasing the ink does not enable them to vote again. All concerned officials have been re-instructed to remain vigilant regarding this matter," said the SEC.

The SEC in a release said it had issued orders on November 19, 2011, and November 28, 2011, regarding the use of marker pens to ink voters' fingers. Since then, marker pens have been used in local body elections for this purpose.

According to these orders, the ink must be applied using the marker pen in a way that it leaves a prominent mark. The ink should be applied by rubbing it three to four times over the nail and the skin above the nail. These instructions are clearly mentioned on the marker pens themselves. The SEC has urged citizens not to engage in the misconduct of attempting to erase the ink.

The SEC's intervention came hours after the Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Congress raised the issue of people allegedly wiping off the ink and accused the ruling alliance of committing fraud.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray claimed, "The government has decided to win these elections at all cost. They are repeating what they did during the Assembly elections, but we will not let it happen.

"Traditionally, indelible ink was used, but now markers are being used instead. This mark is being wiped off simply with sanitizer. Coming to power through such fraudulent elections cannot be called a democracy."

He launched a scathing attack on the state government and the Election Commission, accusing them of systematically dismantling democratic norms to win the BMC elections at any cost.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reacted to the allegations, defending the electoral process while suggesting stricter measures to ensure transparency.

"The Election Commission decides all matters regarding the conduct of elections. Marker pens have been used previously as well. If there are any doubts, the Commission should use a different pen. In fact, I would say they should use oil paint," Fadnavis said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I agree that malpractice is wrong, the focus seems misplaced. The article says the system records votes digitally, so erasing ink shouldn't allow a second vote anyway. Shouldn't the energy go into ensuring the digital records are foolproof and transparent to the public?
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Priyanka N
Typical political blame game during elections. All parties are pointing fingers. The real question is, why switch from proper indelible ink to marker pens if they can be wiped off? Fadnavis's suggestion of oil paint sounds extreme, but maybe we need a permanent solution. Jai Hind!
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Aman W
As a citizen, I find this very disturbing. That ink mark is a badge of honor. I wear mine for days! If someone is trying to remove it, their intention is clearly wrong. Legal action is a must to set an example. Let's keep our democracy clean.
K
Karthik V
The instructions say to rub it 3-4 times on the nail and skin. Are the polling officers even doing it properly? Maybe the mark is too faint to begin with. Instead of just threatening voters, the SEC should first ensure their own officials are following protocol.
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Michael C
Interesting to see this debate. The technical safeguards seem to be there (immediate recording of vote). The psychological and symbolic act of removing the ink to cause confusion is the real misconduct. Strong messaging and vigilance are key.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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