Breaking Ballot Secrecy? EC Warns Fragrance, Glue on EVM Buttons Is Tampering

As India heads into crucial polling in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on April 23 , the Election Commission has issued a clear warning: any attempt to manipulate Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) , even through acts like applying perfume or glue, will be treated as serious tampering and a punishable electoral offence.

The alert comes amid claims that some political workers have been spraying fragrance on specific EVM buttons . The alleged idea behind this tactic is to track voting behaviour . If a voter presses a scented or marked button, the smell or residue on their finger could later be used outside the booth to guess which candidate they voted for . In certain situations, this could lead to pressure, monitoring, or even inducements linked to voting choices.

In effect, such practices attempt to break the secrecy of the ballot , one of the most critical pillars of free and fair elections.

Election officials have made it clear that no substance, perfume, ink, glue, or any chemical, can be applied to EVM buttons under any circumstances. Booth-level officers have been instructed to carefully check that all buttons are clean, visible, and untouched before polling begins.

If any such instance is detected, the presiding officer must immediately report it to the sector or returning officer. The Commission has stressed that these actions fall under interference with EVM functioning, making them an electoral offence. Authorities can initiate criminal proceedings and may even order a re-poll if required.

The message from the Election Commission is firm and unambiguous: the sanctity and secrecy of the vote cannot be compromised. Even subtle attempts to influence or track voter choice will invite strict action.