Tejashwi Yadav’s Voter ID Controversy Unfolds in Patna

Tejashwi Yadav, a prominent political figure and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, recently found himself at the center of a voter ID controversy. During a press conference in Patna, Yadav attempted to verify his voter registration using his EPIC number, a unique 10-digit identifier for voters. To his surprise, the search yielded “no records found,” prompting him to question the validity of his voter registration.

Election Commission’s Stance on the Issue

Despite Yadav’s claims, sources from the Election Commission have confirmed that his name is indeed present in the Draft Electoral Rolls published after a month-long Special Intensive Revision. This process is designed to ensure the accuracy of voter lists. The Patna District Magistrate, Dr. Thiyagarajan SM, further clarified that Yadav’s EPIC number from his 2020 election affidavit matches the current electoral roll, indicating no changes or deletions.

Confusion Over Multiple EPIC Numbers

The controversy deepened as it emerged that Yadav might have been referencing a different EPIC card or number. The poll body revealed that while Yadav’s official EPIC number is valid, another number he mentioned does not exist in official records. This discrepancy has led to speculation about the possibility of a forged document.

Wider Implications for Bihar’s Electoral Rolls

This incident highlights broader issues with Bihar’s electoral rolls, where over 65 lakh names were reportedly omitted. Patna alone accounts for 3.95 lakh missing names. The Election Commission has refuted Yadav’s claims of removal from the voter list and continues to investigate the origins of the non-existent EPIC number.

Political Reactions and Future Inquiries

Yadav’s party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, has countered the Election Commission’s assertions, arguing against any changes to EPIC numbers. As inquiries continue, this situation underscores the complexities and challenges of maintaining accurate electoral records in Bihar.