Maharashtra Civic Polls: On Thursday, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray raised concerns about the voting process in the ongoing Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections, alleging that officials were using pens to mark voters’ fingers instead of indelible ink.
After casting his vote with his family, he told reporters that the ink mark could be removed easily with sanitizer. His comments have drawn political reactions across the state.
Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), who also voted in Mumbai, shared similar concerns as Raj Thackeray. He mentioned that voters had been contacting him since the morning, reporting that the indelible ink on their fingers was fading. Additionally, he noted that numerous individuals were complaining about their names being absent from the electoral rolls.
Raj Thackeray also questioned the State Election Commission’s introduction of the Printing Auxiliary Display Unit (PADU) in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The device is designed to serve as a backup for vote counting if electronic voting machines (EVMs) fail. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani had earlier clarified that PADU units would remain with Returning Officers and would only be used in emergency situations.
He also accused the State Election Commission of failing to clarify the use of PADU units and alleged that extended canvassing time allowed ruling parties to distribute money. He criticized the administration’s handling of the elections and urged his party workers to remain vigilant against potential malpractice.
The Maharashtra Civic Elections 2026 are all set to take place on January 15, with millions of voters across the state heading to the polls. The elections will decide the fate of thousands of candidates contesting seats in the state’s municipal corporations.
Total polling centers across Maharashtra: 39,092
Eligible voters: 3.48 crore
Total candidates contesting: 15,908
Seats up for election: 2,869
Wards covered: 893
Municipal corporations involved: 29
Polling date and time: January 15, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Vote counting scheduled: January 16