The Maharashtra State Election Commission has decided to revert to the traditional method of applying indelible ink on voters’ fingers for the upcoming zilla parishad and panchayat samiti elections, following a controversy over the use of marker pens during recent municipal corporation polls.

शाई पुसून गैरकृत्य करणाऱ्यास
पुन्हा मतदान करता येणे शक्य नाही
मुंबई, दि. १५ : बोटावर लावण्यात आलेली शाई पुसण्याचा प्रयत्न करून मतदारांमध्ये संभ्रम निर्माण करण्याचा प्रयत्न करणे हे गैरकृत्य आहे. त्याचबरोबर बोटावरची शाई पुसून एखादी… pic.twitter.com/OzQDvgKM0t

— Maharashtra SEC (@MaharashtraSEC) January 15, 2026

The decision comes amid widespread circulation of videos on social media during Thursday’s municipal corporation elections, showing ink marks allegedly fading or being wiped off. Polling was held for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, on the same day.

Zilla parishad and panchayat samiti elections in Maharashtra are scheduled to be held on February 5, 2026, covering 12 zilla parishads and 125 panchayat samitis across the state.

Marker Pens Used in Civic Polls Under Scrutiny

During the municipal corporation elections, voters’ fingers were inked using marker pens containing indelible ink supplied by Kores India Ltd, which has been providing indelible ink solutions for several decades. The marker pen system has been in use in Maharashtra since 2011 for certain local body elections.

Following complaints and videos alleging that the ink could be removed easily, opposition parties questioned the effectiveness of the marking process and raised concerns about the possibility of multiple voting.

State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare clarified that the ink used in marker pens takes around 10 to 12 seconds to dry and that voters remain inside the polling booth during this time. He said that once dried, the ink cannot be removed and added that the same ink is approved by the Election Commission of India.

Despite the clarification, the controversy continued through the day, prompting the Commission to review its approach for the upcoming rural elections.

Traditional Ink to be used in February polls

Waghmare said the Commission has decided not to use marker pens for the forthcoming zilla parishad and panchayat samiti elections. Instead, it will revert to the conventional indelible ink manufactured by Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited, which is used in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections.

The traditional indelible ink is applied using a brush or applicator and is known for leaving a long-lasting mark, making it difficult to remove.

The Election Commission said the decision was taken in view of the controversy and to maintain public confidence in the electoral process.

Probe Ordered into Ink Quality and Viral Videos

The State Election Commission has also ordered a probe into the matter. The inquiry will examine the quality of the ink used in the marker pens as well as the videos circulated on social media during polling.

According to Waghmare, the probe will assess whether the ink was applied properly at polling booths or whether the videos were recorded after deliberate tampering. He said that if it is found that attempts were made to create a false narrative, appropriate action will be taken.

The Commission said further decisions, if required, will be taken based on the findings of the probe.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share