Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC) Controversy
The controversy involves duplicate Voter ID Card numbers, which the Election Commission of India (ECI) aims to resolve by ensuring a unique national EPIC number for all voters within three months.
Background and Allegations
- The issue was first raised by the by West Bengal Chief Minister .
- She accused ECI of including voters from other states in West Bengal's voters' list, citing multiple voters with identical EPIC numbers.
ECI's Response
- The ECI admitted some electors had duplicate EPIC numbers but stressed they are genuine voters.
- The issue stems from incorrect series allocation by some Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) since 2000.
- The Commission plans to introduce a unique national EPIC number for all voters to prevent future duplications.
Voting Process and Appeals
- Voters can only cast their vote at the polling station linked to their electoral roll.
- Objections to the voter list can be appealed to the DM/District Collector/Executive Magistrate under section 24(a) of the RP Act 1950.
- A second appeal can be made to the Chief Electoral Officer if the first appeal is unsatisfactory.
Criticism and Reactions
- MP Saket Gokhale criticized the ECI's explanation, questioning the oversight and lack of corrective action since 2000.
- Opposition criticized the ECI’s inconsistent statements, questioning the trustworthiness of voter lists.
- Opposition parties highlighted that despite a 2008 statement declaring voter IDs unique, the ECI acknowledged the ongoing issue of duplicate IDs only recently.
