Tejashwi Yadav Accused of Misinformation Regarding Voter ID, Sparking Political Controversy in Bihar
A political controversy has erupted in Bihar, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the opposition in the state Assembly, of spreading misinformation about the electoral process. The BJP’s national spokesperson, Sambit Patra, alleged that Yadav deliberately cited an incorrect voter ID number, questioning the integrity of the electoral system ahead of the upcoming state elections. This accusation follows Yadav’s claim that his name was missing from the draft electoral rolls published after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The ECI swiftly refuted Yadav’s claim, terming it “factually incorrect” and confirming that Yadav remains a registered voter with a different EPIC number than the one he publicly presented.
The controversy began when Yadav, a prominent leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), publicly demonstrated an online search using the EPIC number RAB2916120 on the Election Commission’s website, which yielded a “no records found” result. Yadav further claimed that he had not received a receipt from the booth level officer (BLO) after submitting his enumeration form during the revision process, although he claimed to have photographic evidence of the submission. However, the Election Commission later clarified that Yadav’s officially registered EPIC number is RAB0456228, the same number recorded in his 2020 election affidavit. This revelation directly contradicted Yadav’s public claim and fueled the BJP’s accusations of deliberate misinformation.
The Election Commission confirmed Yadav’s enrollment in the Digha Assembly constituency, providing his polling station details and serial number on the electoral roll. This confirmation further solidified the ECI’s stance against Yadav’s initial claim. The BJP seized upon this discrepancy, with Sambit Patra accusing Yadav of orchestrating a deliberate attempt to discredit constitutional institutions. Patra characterized Yadav’s actions as a “fraudulent and misleading attack” and a “conspiracy to lower the stature of India.” The BJP’s strong condemnation of Yadav’s actions highlights the escalating political tension in Bihar as elections approach.
Patna district magistrate, Thiyagarajan, questioned the existence of two voter ID numbers for Yadav, given the discrepancy between the number Yadav presented and the one in official records. This question further casts doubt on Yadav’s claims and strengthens the BJP’s accusations of intentional misinformation. While the EC has not yet issued a formal notice to Yadav, the release of the draft electoral rolls clearly displaying Yadav’s correct information serves as a public rebuttal of his allegations. The controversy surrounding Yadav’s voter ID has sparked a heated debate about the integrity of the electoral process and the role of political leaders in upholding public trust in these institutions.
The BJP’s accusation against Tejashwi Yadav adds another layer of complexity to the already charged political landscape in Bihar. The upcoming elections are expected to be closely contested, and this incident could potentially influence public perception and voting patterns. The ECI’s prompt response and clarification have played a crucial role in mitigating the potential damage to public trust in the electoral process. However, the BJP’s strong condemnation and the questions raised about the existence of two voter ID numbers for Yadav leave a lingering cloud of suspicion.
This controversy underscores the importance of accurate information dissemination and responsible conduct by political leaders, especially during election season. The accusations of misinformation and the subsequent clarification by the ECI highlight the significance of transparency and accountability in maintaining the integrity of democratic processes. The political ramifications of this incident remain to be seen, but it has undoubtedly intensified the pre-election atmosphere in Bihar and raised questions about the credibility of Tejashwi Yadav’s claims. The ECI’s continued vigilance and commitment to transparency will be crucial in ensuring a fair and credible election process in the state.
