The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Kerala have brought attention to the significance of the ink-stained index finger, a traditional practice in Indian elections symbolizing participation in the democratic process. Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Kaul emphasized the role of indelible ink in preventing voter fraud by marking voters' fingers, ensuring each individual can cast their vote only once by creating a visible indicator of participation.
Highlighting the logistical preparation for the elections, Kaul mentioned that a substantial number of ink bottles had been distributed across the state to cover the 2,77,49,159 registered voters. The indelible ink, designed to dry quickly and remain intact for a few days post-election, comes in bottles containing ten milli-litres, sufficient for around 700 voters per bottle. The procedure for applying the ink involves the second polling officer ensuring that each voter's left index finger is carefully marked, following specific guidelines to avoid any tampering with the voting process.
The use of indelible ink in Indian elections is a long-standing practice, dating back to the 1962 Lok Sabha elections, with the formulation developed by the National Physical Laboratory of India. The procurement of the ink for the upcoming elections involved a significant investment by the election commission, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. The exclusive rights to manufacture this special ink in India are held by the Mysore Paints and Varnish Company, underlining its crucial role in safeguarding the sanctity of each vote cast.