Why Is A Marker Pen Being Used Instead Of Indelible Ink In BMC Elections 2026?

Mumbai’s high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections are currently in full swing, with thousands of determined voters queueing up across 227 wards since 7:30 am. While the city’s political future hangs in the balance, a brewing controversy over a tiny felt-tip pen is threatening to overshadow the entire democratic process.

Voters across the city have raised the alarm as the iconic indelible ink , a staple of Indian democracy has been replaced by marker pens. Similar to complaints reported during Pune’s civic polls, Mumbaikars allege that these temporary marks can be easily wiped away with a simple splash of water or a firm rub. This has sparked intense fears of voter fraud and potential double voting, particularly as over 11 lakh duplicate entries were previously flagged in the draft voter lists.

Marker Pens: The Science Behind the 'Magic' Vanishing Act

State Election Commission (SEC) officials have defended the move, touting marker pens as a modern, spill-free alternative to traditional ink bottles and brushes. Trials for these felt-tip devices date back to Aurangabad in 2015 and Nagpur in 2012, with the primary goal being speed in crowded polling booths.


However, critics and scientists aren't convinced. Unlike the legendary silver nitrate-based election ink, these markers use water-or-alcohol-based dyes that lack persistence. In the BMC's multi-member wards where citizens cast up to four votes via EVM, a removable mark poses a significant security risk.

The technical reason for the easy removal lies in the ink's composition. Standard marker inks rely on surface adhesion rather than a photochemical reaction. While traditional ink bonds with skin keratin and turns black upon UV exposure, marker dyes sit on the surface. Alcohol-based variants may penetrate slightly, but they quickly yield to common household emulsifiers found in soap or sanitiser. Tests suggest a 90 per cent fade after just 10 seconds of wet cloth abrasion.

A 60-Year Legacy Under Threat?

Since 1962, India’s election ink has been supplied exclusively by Mysore Paints. This specialised formula contains 10-18 per cent silver nitrate, creating a stain that endures for over 15 days. By switching to marker pens without prior public notice, the SEC has faced a barrage of criticism, with some opposition members even suggesting the elections are being "rigged."

Despite the social media frenzy and videos showing voters cleaning their fingers with ease, the State Election Commission has remained firm.

"The SEC has rubbished the claim of any rigging during the elections. According to them, EVMs and photo IDs are being strictly monitored."

Officials maintain that while the mark on the nail might be faint, the ink on the skin remains valid for verification. As Mumbai continues to vote until 5:30 pm, the "marker pen vs indelible ink" debate looks set to be the defining talking point of the BMC Elections 2026 .