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Bihar Chunav: The purple marks visible on voters’ fingers during voting do not go away for several days and prevent them from voting again. This ink is manufactured by Mysore based Paints and Varnish Limited (MPVL). This company is the supplier of this ink in every election since 1952.
Bihar Election: Voting is being held on 121 assembly seats in Bihar in the first phase on Thursday (6 November). At the same time, voting for the second phase on 122 assembly seats will be held on November 11. Counting of votes will take place on November 14. During the voting taking place in Bihar elections today, the same special purple mark is again visible on the fingers of the voters, which is not just a proof of voting, but a beautiful picture of democracy. Have you ever wondered what is this ink that does not come off for many days? Where is this ‘magical ink’ made that leaves a dark blue stain on your finger after voting?
The ink applied on the finger during elections is usually called Indelible Ink or Electoral Ink or Voter Ink or permanent ink. This ink is special because it does not come off for many days and works to prevent people from voting again.
What is this ink?
It is a chemical mixture which mainly contains silver nitrate. When it is applied to the skin, it reacts chemically with the skin proteins and keratin to form a dark purple or blue stain. This stain persists until the upper layer of the skin falls off (usually 10-15 days).
Where is this ink made?
In India, this special ink is manufactured only by Mysore Paints & Varnish Ltd (MPVL). The Election Commission uses ink made in MPVL. The same ink is used in every election in the country since 1952. MPVL also produces the ink used in printing Indian currency notes.
Hyderabad’s Rayudu Laboratory also makes ink
The ink used in elections is also manufactured by Rayudu Laboratory of Hyderabad but this ink is sent to about 90 countries.
Only 25 paise spent on one voter
According to the information, the price of each 10 ml vial manufactured by MPVL is approximately Rs 174. With one bottle, ink can be applied on the fingers of about 700 voters, which means only 25 paise is spent on one voter. MPVL is now working towards providing ink in the form of marker pens instead of this traditional glass bottle. However, this new product is still in the developing stage and its use will be started only after the approval of the Election Commission.
