Videos went viral on social media showing voters allegedly wiping off the “indelible” ink from their fingers using acetone, nail polish remover, and hand sanitisers. Similar complaints poured in from several other parts of Maharashtra, raising concerns about the integrity
Mumbai voters wipe off the ink marked by polling officials. PIC/ Screengrab from Instagram reel
Voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Election 2026 kicked off on Thursday amid unexpected controversy. Videos went viral on social media showing voters allegedly wiping off the “indelible” ink from their fingers using acetone, nail polish remover, and hand sanitisers.
The clips sparked alarm across the city. Soon thereafter, complaints poured in not just from Mumbai, but from several other parts of Maharashtra, raising concerns about the integrity of the voting process. Social media debates flared, with voters accusing authorities of negligence and potential fraud. Political leaders, too, entered the fray, amplifying the issue.
BMC polls: Voters demonstrate how ‘indelible’ ink can be wiped off
In a viral Instagram video, voters demonstrate that the indelible ink applied after voting can be easily wiped off with just water, raising concerns over the integrity and reliability of the election process.
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Maharashtra leaders react
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray voiced his concern over the issue, saying, “This is the first election where we are receiving a lot of complaints. For example, the ink applied to voters’ fingers can be removed immediately, which is a serious issue.”
Mumbai, Maharashtra: Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray says, "This is the first election in which we are receiving a lot of complaints. For example, the ink applied to voters’ fingers can be removed immediately, which is a serious issue..." pic.twitter.com/ZB3VrsQqSM
— IANS (@ians_india) January 15, 2026
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray alleged irregularities in the voting process, claiming that a change in the indelible ink pen used during polling could enable malpractice.
“The earlier ink had been replaced with a new pen, about which complaints have been received. It can reportedly be wiped off using hand sanitizer, allowing voters to erase the mark and attempt to vote again,” he said.
Thackeray added that one individual had already been caught trying to vote twice, urging citizens and party workers to remain vigilant.
Mumbai | MNS chief Raj Thackeray says, "The ink that was used before is being replaced with a new pen, and there are complaints about this new pen. If you use a hand sanitizer, the ink disappears. Now, the only option left is to apply the ink, go outside, wipe it off, and then go… https://t.co/yRi4YIjryr pic.twitter.com/4P7ECMNify
— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule took to X, stating, “As the municipal corporation elections in the state conclude today, the emerging reports are extremely shocking and concerning. Serious EVM malfunctions have been reported at multiple polling stations. In several locations, after casting their votes, the light indicating the chosen candidate does not appear, and the usual ‘beep’ sound fails to register even after all votes are cast.”
She added, “In many areas, voters are being asked to wipe off the ink on their fingers after voting, raising a serious question—could this be to facilitate bogus voting?”
Sule also claimed that there are "persistent glitches" in polling station arrangements and numbering.
"In some cases, candidate names on EVMs were incorrect. Reports of open distribution of money outside polling stations have also surfaced. These incidents have created confusion and anxiety among voters, casting a shadow of suspicion over the entire process,” she said.
राज्यातील महानगरपालिकांच्या निवडणूक प्रक्रिया आज पार पडत असताना माध्यमांमधून येणाऱ्या बातम्या अतिशय धक्कादायक व चिंताजनक आहेत. अनेक मतदान केंद्रांवर EVM बाबत गंभीर घोळ समोर येत आहेत. अनेक ठिकाणी मतदान केल्यानंतर कोणाला मत गेले याचा लाईट लागत नाही, सर्व मते दिल्यानंतर 'बीप' आवाज… pic.twitter.com/wQayw3AbiS
— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) January 15, 2026
In an X video posted by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, he demonstrated how voters can easily wipe off the marked ink from their fingers using nail polish remover.
Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad also took to X to highlight voter concerns over the indelible ink issue, asking, “Is the BMC wiping off accountability?”
She further stated, “Since morning, we have received multiple reports showing that the marker ink used to indicate voting can be easily wiped off. My colleague @sachin_inc and his wife have even demonstrated how acetone or nail polish remover can remove the ink.”
Gaikwad criticised the management of BMC Election 2026, citing last-minute voter inducements, missing names on voter lists, SEC website crashes, and the easily wiped ink, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
“The faith of people in our democratic process must be protected, yet the Election Commission and BMC appear unconcerned,” she wrote.
Gaikwad further emphasised, “For a robust democracy, the voting process must be transparent and reliable, but the current situation falls short and this must be regrettably noted.”
BMC wiping off accountability?
— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) January 15, 2026
Since morning we have been receiving several reports of how the marker ink being used to show voting has been done, is easily being wiped off. My colleague @sachin_inc and his wife here demonstrate how this ink can be easily wiped off with acetone… pic.twitter.com/hprCHU7a73
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray alleged “vote chori” (vote theft) on X, highlighting the ink issue after a viral post by a social media user, Sudhir Suryawanshi.
In the X post, Suryawanshi stated, “In Pune, NCP workers discovered cleaner bottles in BJP offices used to wipe off ink marks from voters who had already cast their votes, allowing them to recast. NCP workers barged into the BJP office and seized the bottles.”
Responding to Suryawanshi's claims, Aaditya Thackeray wrote, “Cheat, cheat, cheat. Vote chori, now Mat Chori. The lowest kind of politics seen globally is what the BJP is practising,” criticising the alleged malpractice.
Cheat cheat cheat. Vote chori, now Mat Chori. The lowest kind of politics what can be seen globally is what the bjp practices https://t.co/KuZEplZB1X
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) January 15, 2026
BMC and SEC respond
However, the BMC was quick to dismiss these reports. In a statement, the civic body clarified that the circulating media claims were factually incorrect and that BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani had not made any comment about ink being wiped off voters’ fingers.
The Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC) also weighed in, reiterating that attempting to remove the ink to mislead authorities is a violation of the law.
According to the SEC, “Even if someone tries to commit misconduct by wiping off the ink, a duly marked voter cannot vote again. Precautions are in place, and each vote is recorded immediately.”
The poll body also explained that the use of marker pens for indelible ink has been in place since November 28, 2011, with instructions for ink application clearly marked on the pen. The ink must be applied prominently and rubbed several times on the nail and surrounding skin, ensuring voters cannot bypass the system.
"Wiping off voter ink is an offense, legal action will follow," the State Election Commission said in the statement.
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