Ink Controversy Clouds Mumbai's Civic Polls As Voter Turnout Dips

Mumbai and 28 other municipal corporations in Maharashtra recorded around 50% voter turnout amid clashes, claims of easily removable ink, and EVM glitches. The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and Thackeray cousins compete fiercely. Allegations of bogus voting and distribution of cash marred the electoral process, while famous personalities voted amid controversy.

In Maharashtra's civic polls held on Thursday, around 50% voter turnout was recorded across Mumbai and 28 other municipal corporations. The election day was marked by sporadic clashes and allegations of bogus voting, cash distribution, and EVM glitches.

A major controversy erupted when claims surfaced that the ink on voters' fingers could be easily wiped off, leading to accusations of enabling bogus voting. The State Election Commission has promised a thorough investigation into the ink quality and related videos circulating on social media.

While the political arena heated up with battles between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and the Thackeray cousins, prominent Bollywood personalities, including Akshay Kumar and Aamir Khan, participated and urged citizens to vote responsibly. Criticisms of irregularities and claims of misused funds dominated the civic poll discussions.

(With inputs from agencies.)