New Delhi:
The Election Commission has raised concern over the use of indelible ink in banks after the notes ban, saying the move should not affect the "election process in any manner". Five states will hold by-elections on Saturday.
In a letter to the Finance Ministry, the Commission has said that several states will hold elections and there will be confusion as indelible ink also marks citizens who have already voted.
The top election body said the government should ensure that the use of indelible ink on people exchanging banned Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes does not cause a problem when they vote.
The government has said that indelible ink would be used to mark the right hand, not the left, because of elections in states including Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Bottles have been airlifted to cities across India.
The government announced the inking on Tuesday after revenue intelligence agencies reported that those with black or untaxed money were making innocent people stand in multiple queues each day to exchange their illegal money, Rs. 4500 at a time.
Under election rules, ink is applied on the left index finger of voters to prevent impersonation. Voters who do not have a left arm are inked on the right.
The government announced the inking on Tuesday after revenue intelligence agencies reported that those with black or untaxed money were making innocent people stand in multiple queues each day to exchange their illegal money, Rs. 4500 at a time.
Under election rules, ink is applied on the left index finger of voters to prevent impersonation. Voters who do not have a left arm are inked on the right.