Mumbai’s high-stakes BMC Elections 2026 are currently underway. Thousands of voters have lined up across 227 wards since 7:30 am. Voting will continue until 5:30 pm.
However, a growing controversy is starting to overshadow the polls. Marker pens have replaced the iconic indelible ink used on voters’ fingers. Similar to complaints heard during Pune’s PMC elections held on the same day, Mumbaikars have claimed that the temporary marks can be easily wiped away with water or rubbing.
Marker pens used in BMC Elections 2026 raise double voting concerns
This has raised concerns about potential double voting, especially given that over 11 lakh duplicate entries have been flagged in the draft voter lists.
Marker pens are felt-tip devices with water- or alcohol-based dyes. They provide a neat, spill-free application compared to traditional ink bottles and brushes, as tested in Aurangabad in 2015 and Nagpur in 2012. State Election Commission (SEC) officials praise them for their speed in busy booths. Critics, however, point out that the dyes do not last long, dissolving unlike silver nitrate-based formulas.
Legacy of Indelible Ink under threat
India’s election ink, supplied solely by Mysore Paints since 1962, uses 10-18 % silver nitrate. This binds with skin keratin under UV light, creating a stain that lasts over 15 days and is visible under black light.
Past shortages have led to the use of temporary markers or fakes. However, the lack of prior notice about BMC’s switch to marker pens has caused complaints about the elections being “rigged.” The SEC, though, has dismissed claims of any rigging during the elections. They state that EVMs and photo IDs are being monitored closely.
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