By Swetha Anil Kumar
Many voters and political parties have been complaining about the use of marker pens instead of brush-applied indelible ink during Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections. Several people alleged that the ink mark faded really fast, and there have been concerns about bogus or double voting.
Unlike the marker-based application adopted in civic polls, the issue has sparked controversy as the brush-and-ink method was used in recent Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has responded to the controversy saying that the decision on ink application was taken by the Election Commission.
He said that marker pens were used earlier too and if there are any objections, the EC should examine them. He added saying that people were already preparing excuses ahead of results.
Fadnavis showed his inked finger to reporters when he was questioned again. He attempted to rub it off, saying, “ see I am trying to wipe it off in front of you. Is it coming off?” “While objections can be examined, repeatedly questioning democratic institutions over every issue was unwarranted”, he added.
The ink mark on the finger faded or was rubbed off after routine activities such as washing hands or cooking as reported by many voters across wards.
In a written statement released on polling day, the State Election Commission (SEC) clarified that wiping off the ink applied on a voter’s finger does not enable repeat voting.
SEC also said that the use of marker pens for applying indelible ink is not new. Orders approving use of marker pens in local self-govt elections were issued on November 19, 2011, and November 28, the same year, SEC said. According to these orders, the ink must be applied with a marker by rubbing it 3 to 4 times on the nail and the skin above it to make sure that the mark is clearly visible.