Mumbai, Jan 15 (NationPress) In the midst of a heated debate regarding allegations of individuals removing the ink from their fingers right after voting, the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) announced on Thursday that any attempt to eliminate the ink applied to a voter’s finger to mislead others constitutes a severe violation. The SEC has made it clear that if anyone is caught trying to vote again after erasing the ink, they will face legal consequences.

“Despite any efforts to engage in malpractice by erasing the ink, individuals will not be able to cast a second vote. We have implemented precautionary measures to avert this. Each voter's participation is recorded instantly after they cast their vote; therefore, simply removing the ink does not allow them to vote again. All relevant officials have been instructed to stay alert regarding this issue,” the SEC stated.

The SEC disclosed that orders were issued on November 19 and November 28, 2011, concerning the application of marker pen ink on voters' fingers, which has since been utilized in local body elections.

As per these guidelines, the ink must be applied using the marker pen in a manner that leaves a substantial mark. The application process involves rubbing the ink three to four times over the nail and the skin above it, as detailed on the marker pens themselves. The SEC has urged citizens to refrain from engaging in activities aimed at erasing the ink.

This intervention by the SEC followed allegations from the Shiv Sena (UBT), Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and Congress regarding individuals reportedly wiping off the ink, accusing the ruling coalition of electoral fraud.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray stated, “The government is intent on winning these elections at any cost, repeating tactics used during the Assembly elections, but we will not allow it.”

“Historically, indelible ink was utilized, but now markers are being employed instead. This mark can be easily removed with sanitizer. Achieving power through such fraudulent elections is far from democratic,” he asserted.

He launched a fierce critique of the state government and the Election Commission, accusing them of systematically undermining democratic principles to secure victory in the BMC elections.

In response to these accusations, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the electoral process and suggested implementing stricter measures to ensure transparency.

“The Election Commission governs all election-related matters. Marker pens have been previously used. If there are concerns, the Commission should consider using a different type of pen. I would even suggest they use oil paint,” Fadnavis remarked.