The Election Commission of India (ECI) has responded to allegations of duplicate Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers across states, calling it a “legacy issue” from decentralized systems. The controversy erupted after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the ECI of facilitating BJP gains by allowing voter ID irregularities. While the EC denies malpractice, opposition parties demand door-to-door verification, deepening political tensions.
EC’s Explanation: “Legacy Systems Caused Duplicate EPIC Numbers”
In a Sunday statement, the EC clarified that duplicate EPIC numbers in different states stem from past practices where regional offices independently generated voter IDs. Before centralized systems were adopted, states and union territories issued unique EPIC numbers locally, leading to overlaps. The EC emphasized that voters’ distinct details—like birthdates, assembly constituencies, and polling stations—prevent fraud. It also pledged to eliminate duplicates in future revisions.
Mamata Banerjee’s Allegations: “EC Aiding BJP”
Mamata Banerjee claimed EPIC numbers of West Bengal voters matched those in Gujarat and Haryana, calling it a deliberate oversight to benefit the BJP. TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh argued, “The EC failed to answer how this happened. By admitting the problem exists, they’ve vindicated our leader.” The TMC plans intensified door-to-door checks to audit voter lists, a move backed by the CPI(M) but dismissed by the BJP as politically motivated.
Election Commission Cites Legacy Systems for Duplicate IDs; TMC, CPI(M) Demand Scrutiny, BJP Backs EC’s Explanation
Opposition Reactions: TMC-CPI(M) Unity on Scrutiny, Congress Skepticism
CPI(M) MP and lawyer Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya supported physical verification: “Relying solely on online systems invites errors. Cross-checking via grassroots scrutiny is essential.” However, he criticized Mamata for “hijacking Congress’ earlier complaints about voter list mismanagement in Haryana and Maharashtra.” Congress had flagged similar issues pre-election but lacked proof, unlike Mamata’s state-specific evidence.
BJP’s Defense: “No Scope for Fraud”
BJP leader Shishir Bajoria dismissed concerns, stating, “Duplicate EPIC numbers don’t enable cross-state voting. A Gujarat voter can’t cast a ballot in West Bengal using the same ID, as polling stations are location-specific.” The BJP supports EC’s transparency measures but opposes TMC’s “fearmongering.”
Experts: Centralized Systems and Ground Checks Needed
Electoral analysts stress that while centralizing EPIC generation will reduce duplicates, human oversight remains critical. Former EC official Anand Kumar noted, “Voter ID numbers alone aren’t foolproof. Officials must verify supporting details to prevent impersonation.”
Legal Implications: Is Duplication a Crime?
Under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, holding multiple EPIC cards is illegal. However, identical numbers across states pose a legal gray area. The EC’s software upgrade aims to resolve this, but opposition parties demand stricter penalties for administrative lapses.
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