Use indelible ink in banks keeping in mind upcoming bypolls: EC writes to FM

The government’s measure to control ‘mad rush’ by allowing banks to use indelible ink ban has hit a roadblock. The Election Commission has raised its concern over the use of indelible ink in banks after the notes ban, saying that the move should not affect the “election process in any manner”. 

In a letter to the Finance Ministry, the Commission has said that several states will hold elections and there will be confusion as indelible ink also marks citizens who have already voted. 

The top election body said the government should ensure that the use of indelible ink on people exchanging banned Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes does not cause a problem when they vote. 

“It is informed that by-election from some parliamentary and assembly constituencies in five states are currently in progress and polling for which is scheduled to be held on Saturday,” the letter said. 

“As assembly elections in 5 states are scheduled to be held in next year, the indelible ink mark on fingers would create confusion poll the poll officials. 

This will make it easy for unscrupulous elements to cash in on this to indulge in malpractices during the elections,” an EC official said. Under election rules, ink is applied on the left index finger of voters to prevent impersonation. Voters who do not have a left arm are inked on the right.