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Purple Fingers and Indelible Ink Are the Hallmarks of India's Elections

In India, renowned for being the world's largest democracy, elections signify a significant ritual: millions of voters proudly display a purple-stained forefinger, courtesy of indelible ink produced by a factory in Mysuru. Since its establishment in 1937, Mysore Paints And Varnish Limited has been the sole authorized manufacturer of this ink, crucial for preventing electoral fraud by marking voters post-ballot. Composed mainly of silver nitrate, this ink leaves an enduring purple mark on skin and nails, resistant to erasure and lasting about two weeks upon exposure to sunlight.

With India gearing up for general elections, the company has supplied a record-breaking 2.7 million ink vials to accommodate the vast electorate of 970 million registered voters. Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state, placed the largest order, contrasting with the modest request from Lakshadweep, totalling just 110 vials. Priced at 174 rupees ($2.1) per vial by the election commission, this venture is projected to yield over $7 million for Mysore Paints, primarily known for its transport vehicle paints.

Beyond domestic demands, the company also caters to several Asian countries preparing for elections. Despite the ink's resilience, attempts to remove it persist, countered by election officials who ensure a clean application surface to thwart fraudulent attempts. Thus, the purple-stained forefinger endures as an enduring symbol of India's democratic process.

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