Exit polls predict win for BJP-Shiv Sena in Maharashtra civic polls
50% turnout recorded | 'Erasable' ink triggers controversy
Around 50 per cent polling was recorded in Mumbai and 28 other municipal corporations in Maharashtra on Thursday even as all exit polls predicted a clean sweep for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and a defeat for the Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena.
While a major controversy erupted over claims that the ink applied on voters’ fingers could be easily removed, the polling day saw clashes, allegations of bogus voting and distribution of cash as well as EVM glitches. Vote count will begin at 10 am on Friday. In the 2017 elections, the polling percentage in Mumbai was 55.53.
As voting commenced, social media was flooded with videos of ordinary voters, politicians, and some mediapersons using acetone to wipe off the “indelible” ink applied on their fingers after voting. State Election Commission Dinesh Waghmare rejected the allegations and said it would conduct a thorough probe into the matter.
