Mumbai’s BMC elections hit a snag as voter ink fades rapidly, prompting MNS boss Raj Thackeray to cry ‘dhamaal dhamaal’—pure rigging. Videos of voters flaunting unmarked fingers have ignited a firestorm.
Thackeray, known for dramatic interventions, rallied workers overnight, accusing poll panels of collusion. ‘They think Mumbaikars are fools? We’ll expose this tamasha,’ he roared.
Experts weigh in: standard indelible ink lasts days, not minutes. Possible culprits? Diluted batches or counterfeit supplies. ECI faces heat to verify.
The polls pit Uddhav’s Shiv Sena (UBT) against Shinde’s group, BJP, and Congress. BMC’s treasury makes it a goldmine for victors.
Thackeray’s history of poll-boycotts and protests adds edge; MNS eyes 10-15 seats to influence ties.
With 10,000 candidates vying for 227 seats, stakes are sky-high. Security ramps up amid fears of MNS-led disruptions.
Voters feel betrayed, questioning if their vote counted. As scrutiny intensifies, this could force electoral reforms on ink protocols.
Mumbai, the pulse of Maharashtra, watches warily. Will truth prevail, or descend into street battles?