Overview

In the heart of India, as the sun sets on the day of democratic expression, a vibrant tapestry is set to unfurl. Across the diverse landscapes of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram, a myriad of voters and their proud indelible ink-stained fingers are poised to reestablish the steadfast commitment that we, the people of India, as the proud and largest democracy in the world, carry.

In this article, we step into the afterglow of the polling booths, where the ink-stained fingers of voters become strokes in a masterpiece that encapsulates the spirit of India’s electoral Journey— a journey where every drop of ink narrates a tale of the unyielding spirit of a nation committed to shaping its destiny.

Marking Democracy: The Indelible Ink Saga of India’s First General Elections

According to the report on the first general elections in India 1951-52, Volume-1 (General), sourced from the official website of the Election Commission of India, the document unveils a detailed provision in Rule 22 of the Representation of the People (Conduct of Elections and Election Petitions) Rules, 1951. 

This regulation, intended to prevent the personation of electors, dictated that voters, before receiving their ballot papers, had to allow inspection of their left forefinger to either the Presiding Officer or a Polling Officer. Only if the finger carried no indelible ink mark would a ballot paper be issued, preceded by marking the finger with indelible ink.

The indelible ink, tailored for marking voters’ fingers, was manufactured at the Commission’s request by the Indian Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, now known as the prestigious CSIR-Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, the largest research and development organisation in India and also among the world’s largest publicly funded R&D organisations. 

Applying the ink to the finger involved a small glass rod, creating a mark that endured for a week or more. While sporadic complaints surfaced, alleging the mark’s susceptibility to rubbing away or disappearing with certain chemicals, thorough investigations debunked these claims. 

The Commission, guaranteed of the ink’s efficacy when correctly applied emphasised that the indelible mark persisted for a week or more, meeting its intended purpose. Notably, the ink’s success grew to its utilisation in multiple Local Bodies’ elections.

3,89,816 phials of indelible ink were disbursed to the states for India’s maiden elections, incurring a cost of Rs. 2,27,460, as mentioned in the election report.

MPVL: Crafting Democracy’s Guardian – The Global Journey of Indelible Ink

Currently, Mysore Paints and Varnish Limited (MPVL) is the sole producer of indelible ink, maintaining this distinction for the past six decades. This unbroken legacy, dating back to 1962, designates MPVL as the sole supplier of this crucial element for elections, both local and national. 

This pioneering achievement by CSIR-NPL, dating back to the 1950s, was a strategic response to the challenge of fraudulent voting. Scientists from the then Chemical Division embarked on research to develop indelible ink, a project later patented by the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) in New Delhi. 

This tale extends to Mysore Paints & Varnish Limited (MPVL), a governmental enterprise in Karnataka. Since 1947, when the reins were handed over to the Government of Karnataka, MPVL has held the distinguished position of being the sole manufacturer of this indelible ink, holding a 91.39 per cent stake. 

With this indelible ink, the Election Commission of India ensures that this ink, a silent guardian of electoral fairness, plays a vital role in every democratic exercise, from parliamentary contests to local municipality polls. Each vial, containing 10 ml of the specialised ink, possesses the remarkable capacity to mark nearly 700 voters’ fingers. 

Beyond serving the vast electoral landscape of India, MPVL caters to the global demand for this ink, receiving orders from 25-30 countries, including Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, Mongolia, Malaysia, Nepal, South Africa, and the Maldives. In 2021 alone, the company exported indelible ink valued at ₹8.14 crore. The precognition of MPVL extends to global collaborations, as it has registered with the United Nations Development Programme, positioning itself as a reliable supplier for foreign elections.

The pride doesn’t just stem from its expansive reach and the adaptability exhibited by Mysore Paints & Varnish Limited (MPVL), the manufacturer. Recognising the unique necessities of each nation, the company tailors its supply to meet specific customer specifications. 

Whether it’s the dipping method in Cambodia and the Maldives, the brush application in Burkina Faso, or the use of nozzles as witnessed in Turkey, the indelible ink continues to traverse diverse application methods, marking its indelible presence across the globe.

What is present in this ink?

The intricacies of indelible ink go beyond its application and duration; they delve into a carefully crafted chemical composition that ensures its efficacy. 

Stored in amber-coloured plastic containers to shield it from direct sunlight, this water-based ink once resided in brown-coloured glass bottles. Its presence on the fingernail persists for at least two days, extending up to a month, based on the individual’s body temperature and environmental conditions. 

The inclusion of silver nitrate in the ink is not merely for colour; it reacts with the nail upon exposure to light, intensifying the hue. Additionally, the ink, comprising a water base and a solvent like alcohol, facilitates rapid drying. At the same time, a blend of dyes ensures its distinctive mark. 

The precise alchemy behind this indelible ink is guarded like a secret, with only a few chemists knowing the exact formula. This guarded secret is passed down cautiously, almost like a legacy, ensuring the formula remains veiled for apparent reasons. 

As we unveil the mysteries behind the ink, it’s a reminder that the ink-stained finger is not just a mark; it is a promise—a promise to participate, to voice our choices, and to weave the tapestry of our democracy collectively. It is a reminder that, in the magnific orchestration of our democratic symphony, every voter plays a crucial role. It is not merely a procedure; it is our duty, our right, and the very essence of a thriving democracy.

Also Read: Inaugural Elections of India 1951: The Birth of the World’s Largest Democracy