EC Questions Tejashwi Over Unofficial Voter ID
The Election Commission (EC) has asked Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav to hand over an alleged extra voter ID card for investigation. Officials say the card he displayed at a press conference appears not officially issued.
Confusion Over EPIC Numbers
Tejashwi claimed his name was missing from the draft electoral rolls after Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR), referencing a voter ID with EPIC number RAB2916120. However, the EC confirmed his name is correctly listed under the existing number RAB0456228, which he used in earlier elections. A district official has clarified that the EPIC number he showed is not in the official records.
Probe Launched Into Double IDs
In a notice issued on August 3, the EC asked him to surrender the extra EPIC card for detailed investigation. Officials are probing whether this voter ID is forged. Holding more than one EPIC is not allowed and could lead to legal consequences.
Political Fallout Intensifies
BJP and JD(U) leaders have demanded a criminal case, accusing Tejashwi of possessing two voter IDs and possibly voting illegally. They challenged him to explain the discrepancy. They also questioned claims by Congress on alleged “vote theft,” asking if this situation represents the “atom bomb” evidence previously hinted at.
Tejashwi’s Stance and Broader Debate
Tejashwi defended himself, stating the mix-up resulted from electoral roll revisions. He continued to allege that over 65 lakh names were deleted from Bihar’s rolls and accused the EC of lacking transparency. Critics, however, called his claims reckless and said they undermine trust in electoral institutions.
