A fresh political controversy has erupted in Bihar after RJD leader and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav claimed that his voter ID card (EPIC number) had been “changed” in the recently published draft electoral rolls released during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
The matter has drawn sharp attention from the Election Commission, triggered demands for investigation, and ignited fierce political debate between the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.
Election Commission Steps In
The controversy began when Tejashwi Yadav, during a press conference on August 2, demonstrated a search using an EPIC number that he claimed belonged to him. He alleged that his name was missing from the draft rolls and accused election officials of manipulating voter data by altering or replacing his voter ID number.
In response, the Election Commission, via the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Patna Sadar-cum-Electoral Registration Officer for the Digha assembly constituency, issued a letter to Yadav.
The letter stated: Our preliminary investigation suggests that the EPIC number you mentioned at the press conference on August 2 was not issued officially. You are therefore requested to hand over the EPIC card in its original form for detailed investigation.”
This official request implies a possible forgery or irregularity surrounding the possession of an unverified voter ID card. The EC’s demand has added fuel to an already volatile political environment.
Administration Denies Claim of “EPIC Number Change”
Following Yadav’s allegations, District Magistrate of Patna, Thiyagaraja S M, categorically denied any tampering or replacement of EPIC numbers.
He clarified: The EPIC number in the electoral rolls is the same one that was submitted by the Honourable Leader of the Opposition in his affidavit during the 2020 assembly elections. If he is now in possession of a different EPIC card with another number, then that’s a matter that needs investigation.”
This official rebuttal raises serious questions about the authenticity of the voter ID card Tejashwi Yadav displayed and whether it points to a larger issue or an isolated misunderstanding.
NDA Demands FIR, Labels Incident a “Fraud”
In an aggressive counter-offensive, leaders from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) — including Ajay Alok (BJP), Neeraj Kumar (JDU), and Rajesh Bhatt (Lok Janshakti Party Ram Vilas) — jointly held a press conference demanding criminal proceedings against Yadav. They alleged that the RJD leader is in illegal possession of two voter ID cards, which is a punishable offense under election laws.
The NDA spokespersons did not hold back in their criticism, accusing Tejashwi of trying to fabricate a political narrative ahead of the upcoming elections. If he holds two EPIC cards, it’s electoral fraud. He must be booked immediately,” the leaders demanded.
They even invoked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asking him to clarify whether this controversy is the “atom bomb” he had recently threatened to drop on the Election Commission.
Rahul Gandhi, during a rally earlier, had said that the Congress party had gathered an “atom bomb” worth of evidence to prove “vote chori” (electoral theft) allegedly carried out by the Election Commission in favor of the BJP.
Political Motives Alleged by Ruling Alliance
The NDA leaders went further, asserting that the opposition INDIA bloc — a coalition of various opposition parties, including RJD and Congress — was “staring at certain defeat” in the upcoming Bihar assembly polls. According to them, the bloc was now looking for a pre-emptive excuse by questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process.
“This is no different from anticipatory bail that criminals seek before committing a crime. They are already preparing their alibis for an electoral loss,” the NDA leaders claimed.
What Happens Next?
The situation remains fluid. The Election Commission has asked for the original EPIC card that Tejashwi Yadav cited to be submitted for a formal investigation.
If found guilty of possessing multiple voter ID cards, it could have serious legal and political consequences for the RJD leader. On the other hand, if the inquiry reveals administrative or technical lapses, it could bolster the opposition’s claims of irregularities in the electoral revision process.
Either way, the controversy has turned into a political flashpoint, highlighting the high-stakes atmosphere ahead of Bihar’s next big electoral showdown.
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