However, the Election Commission promptly responded with a copy of the draft voter list showing the RJD leader’s name included.
Tejashwi slams BJP’s ‘Vishwaguru’ narrative amid 50% US tariff, Modi’s silence
Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav stirred a political controversy on Saturday by claiming that his name was missing from the draft electoral roll uploaded by the Election Commission on its website.
However, the Election Commission promptly responded with a copy of the draft voter list showing the RJD leader’s name included.
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Later, Yadav rejected the Election Commission’s claim arguing that the EPIC Number mentioned in the list shared by the Election Commission – RAB0456228 – does not match with the one printed on his existing Election Photo Identity Card – RAB 2916120. He insisted that EPIC Numbers are unique and cannot be changed.
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He also said that if EPIC Numbers can be changed arbitrarily by the Election Commission, it will lead to widespread confusion.
Earlier, during a press conference in Patna, Tejashwi Yadav had attempted to check his name in the draft voter list on Election Commission of India’s website under his EPIC number RAB 2916120, but the site returned a “Not Found” result.
He said: “If the Election Commission’s website is not showing my name, it means the Commission is operating a fraudulent website. One can imagine the kind of difficulties faced by those living outside Bihar. The Election Commission is repeatedly violating its own guidelines and rules. There is a larger conspiracy to undermine democracy.”
Responding to the allegation, the Patna District Administration posted a full page of the draft voter list on ‘X’ which also shows Tejashwi Yadav’s name on it.
Tejashwi’s statement drew strong criticism from the ruling parties.
Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Samrat Chaudhary said: “Lalu Yadav’s family considers democracy a joke. When they are losing elections, they make new excuses. Rahul Gandhi will soon drop a ‘bomb,’ everyone is waiting.”
Janata Dal (U) labeled Tejashwi “a political fraud” and demanded a public apology.
JD(U chief state spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said that Tejashwi’s name appears in the revised voter list as a voter from the Digha constituency. His polling booth is located at the Bihar Veterinary University Library Building, and his EPIC number is RAB0456228.
Kumar alleged that if the RJD leader claims that his EPIC Number is RAB 2916120, it implies dual registration which is a political fraud.
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