- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: As opposition raised allegations of manipulation of electoral rolls, sources in the Election Commission on Monday said the matter related to duplicate voter identity card numbers is a “legacy issue,” with such cards being issued even between 2008 and 2013, when the BJP-led NDA was not in power.
In the past, the poll body also directed states to remove all discrepancies in the elector’s photo identity card during annual electoral roll updates.
The poll body had recently clarified that irrespective of the EPIC number, an elector can cast a vote only at their designated polling station.
To allay any apprehensions, all cases of duplicate EPIC numbers will be resolved within three months’ time by ensuring a unique EPIC number for the existing electors having duplicate EPIC numbers and for future electors as well, the EC had said.
The issue of duplicate numbers found an echo in Parliament on Monday, with Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi demanding a discussion in the House on voter lists, on which several political parties have raised certain questions.
He said, “The question is being raised on the voter list in every state. In Maharashtra, questions were raised about the black and white voter lists. The entire opposition is just saying that there should be a discussion on the voter’s list.”
Earlier, TMC’s Saugata Roy said Mamata Banerjee had shown the same EPIC numbers in the voters’ list in Haryana, West Bengal. “This shows the serious flaws pointed out earlier with regard to Maharashtra, Haryana. They are preparing for a jump in the Bengal and Assam polls next year. The total voter list should be totally revised,” he said, adding that the ECI should reply on its mistakes.
