Singer-composer Vishal Dadlani has raised concerns over the use of indelible ink during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections after he claimed that the mark on his finger faded within hours of casting his vote. His remarks drew a reaction from the Maharashtra State Election Commission (SEC).
In a video shared on Instagram on Thursday, Vishal showed his inked finger and pointed out that the mark – which was supposed to last for several days – had almost completely disappeared. The singer clarified that he didn’t try to remove it, saying he was just using hand sanitizer as part of his regular routine. “This is definitely not indelible ink,” he said, adding in the caption that he was willing to provide an official statement if requested.
The post went viral on the internet with several users sharing similar experiences from polling stations in different cities. Some commenters claimed that markers may have been used instead of the standard indelible ink, with one user claiming that the ink previously used remained visible for weeks but now fades within a day.
A shocked user wrote: “I might delete mine after seeing your post.”
Another user shared on the platform: “After they used marker on my finger I asked why not ink? Why this marker?
“I was doing my daily chores… washing the dishes and washing my hands after eating. The stamp is now GONE. Did I even vote? Who knows,” a third user wrote on Instagram.
Earlier on the election day, Vishal had also expressed concern over the low voter turnout. He shared another video from the area outside the largely empty polling center and questioned the lack of public participation in the civic exercise. “There are more officials than voters inside. It’s shameful,” he said, urging citizens to take responsibility for their city and the democratic process.
“This is your country, your city, your responsibility,” he added, urging voters to get more actively involved rather than staying at home.
Vishal Dadlani is currently seen as a judge on Indian Idol 16, along with Shreya Ghoshal and Badshah. The popular singing reality show airs on Sony Entertainment Television and streams on SonyLIV on weekends.
