Sambit Patra Counters Tejashwi Yadav’s Claims on Voter List ‘Removals

Fast Summary

• BJP MP Sambit Patra accused RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav of having two EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card) numbers, alleging this might imply possession of two voter IDs.
• Patra called Yadav’s criticisms of the Election Commission (ECI) a “conspiracy too defame india” and stated that the EC clarified his name remains on the draft electoral roll under serial number 416.
• The ECI issued a statement disproving Tejashwi’s claim, asserting that his name is included in the electoral roll and labeling his allegations as false.
• Earlier, Tejashwi Yadav alleged discrepancies in Bihar’s revised voter list, claiming approximately 8.5% or around 65 lakh names were removed without proper explanations or clarity regarding address and booth details.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The dispute between BJP’s Sambit Patra and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav underscores rising tensions over electoral integrity in Bihar ahead of political seasons likely marked by heavy scrutiny on ECI processes. While ECI has refuted claims made by Yadav over missing names and altered EPIC numbers, his accusations about systemic irregularities impacting millions suggest growing public concern regarding transparency in election-related exercises like Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Irrespective of party affiliation, ensuring trust in voter lists is critical for maintaining democratic credibility across India-a principle valued universally despite heated exchanges such as these.

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