Mumbai, Jan 15 (NationPress) An astonishing revelation emerged during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, as numerous voters reported that the marker ink on their fingers could be easily removed. This has ignited a significant controversy throughout the city, prompting Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray to voice his strong discontent regarding the situation.

After casting his vote, Thackeray spoke to the media, accusing the government of resorting to any means necessary to secure electoral victories.

"The government aims to clinch these elections by any means possible. They are repeating tactics used in the Assembly elections, but we will not allow it. Indelible ink was traditionally employed, but now we have markers that can be wiped off with sanitizer. Winning power through such fraudulent elections cannot be labeled as democracy," stated Raj Thackeray.

"There should be a limit to the abuse of power. BJP leaders discuss 'Development (Vikas)'. Is erasing ink to vote multiple times what they define as development?" Thackeray questioned.

Thackeray has launched a pointed critique against the Maharashtra government and the Election Commission, accusing them of methodically undermining democratic principles to secure the BMC elections.

He expressed grave concerns about the transparency of the voting process and accused the Chief Minister Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government of deliberately marginalizing the Opposition through technological manipulation.

"We are all witnessing the kind of system currently operating. The ruling parties are committed to winning by any means necessary. When we highlighted the issue of duplicate voters, the Election Commission distanced itself. When we raised questions about VVPAT machines, we were ignored. Now, the Commission has introduced 'Padu Yantra' (machines allegedly influencing outcomes) for counting, which has not been demonstrated to any political party," Thackeray claimed.

He criticized the EC for permitting candidates to visit homes even after the official campaign period concluded.

"This allowance was granted solely to facilitate the distribution of money by the ruling party," he alleged.

Thackeray described the entire state administration as a tool for those in power, labeling it a "sign of a dying democracy."

In light of reports of a duplicate voter being apprehended at a polling booth in Dadar’s Chhabildas School, Thackeray has made a direct appeal to his party workers (Mansainiks) and Shiv Sena workers to remain alert.

He called upon supporters to oversee polling booths throughout the day to avert fraudulent voting.

Thackeray remarked that winning through "fraudulent elections" does not equate to a legitimate electoral victory. He asserted that his party is striving to combat these irregularities while expressing profound concern for the long-term health of democracy in Maharashtra.

In response to the allegations, Chief Minister Fadnavis defended the electoral process while proposing enhanced measures to ensure transparency.

“The Election Commission oversees all matters related to elections. Marker pens have been utilized in the past as well. If there are any doubts, the Commission should consider using a different pen. In fact, I would suggest they use oil paint," Fadnavis stated.

However, he cautioned that "it is not appropriate to constantly cast doubt on institutions related to the electoral process."

Following the emergence of videos showcasing the ink being erased, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has officially ordered an investigation.

After receiving numerous complaints about the marker ink easily disappearing, the administration has issued new guidelines to poll workers to apply the ink so that it penetrates the skin effectively.

The Municipal Administration clarified that the State Election Commission provided marker kits instead of traditional indelible ink for this election.

According to the Election Commission, these markers have been utilized for every local body election since 2012.