Bihar – The Election Commission has issued a formal notice to Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha for allegedly possessing two voter cards and being registered as an elector in multiple constituencies. This development represents a significant escalation in electoral accountability measures and highlights ongoing concerns about voter registration integrity in Bihar ahead of upcoming assembly elections.
The notice comes in direct response to serious allegations raised by Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, who claimed that Vijay Sinha possessed two different Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, a charge that the BJP leader has categorically denied while providing detailed explanations for the apparent discrepancy.
This controversy underscores broader concerns about electoral processes and voter registration systems, particularly in the context of Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision conducted by the Election Commission in preparation for the state’s upcoming assembly elections.
Formal Notice Details and Response Deadline
The Electoral Registration Officer for Bankipur assembly constituency issued an official letter to Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha on Sunday, specifically addressing allegations that he had registered as a voter in two different assembly constituencies while possessing two distinct ID cards. The formal notice establishes clear legal parameters for the investigation process.
Vijay Sinha has been given until August 14 to file a comprehensive response explaining the circumstances surrounding these allegations. This deadline ensures prompt resolution while providing adequate time for the Deputy Chief Minister to compile necessary documentation and evidence supporting his position.
An Election Commission official confirmed that the notice specifically requests Vijay Sinha to respond regarding why he allegedly maintains two voter IDs, emphasizing the serious nature of these allegations and the Commission’s commitment to thorough investigation of all electoral irregularities.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Detailed Allegations
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav presented specific evidence supporting his allegations against Vijay Sinha, claiming that the Deputy Chief Minister maintains voter registrations in both Bankipur and Lakhisarai assembly constituencies with distinct EPIC numbers. These detailed accusations include specific identification numbers that can be verified through official records.
According to Tejashwi’s allegations, Vijay Sinha possesses EPIC ID number IAF3939337 in the Lakhisarai assembly constituency and ID number AFS0853341 in the Bankipur assembly constituency in Patna district. These specific details provide concrete evidence for Election Commission investigation and verification processes.
Tejashwi also highlighted discrepancies in age records, claiming that Vijay Sinha appears as 57 years old on one voter list and 60 years old on another, raising additional questions about the accuracy and integrity of voter registration processes and suggesting possible deliberate manipulation of official records.
Questions About Electoral Integrity and Responsibility
The RJD leader raised fundamental questions about electoral accountability, specifically asking whether Vijay Sinha or the Election Commission should be held responsible for these alleged irregularities. These questions highlight broader concerns about systematic oversight and verification processes in voter registration systems.
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Tejashwi specifically questioned the timing of these alleged irregularities, noting that they occurred after the Special Intensive Revision conducted by the Election Commission in Bihar. This timing raises concerns about the effectiveness of the revision process and suggests possible systematic failures in voter list verification.
The opposition leader demanded immediate action against Vijay Sinha and called for his resignation following these revelations, framing the issue as a matter of electoral integrity and public accountability that transcends party politics and affects the fundamental credibility of democratic processes.
Deputy Chief Minister’s Defense and Clarification
Vijay Sinha provided a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the alleged duplicate voter registrations, maintaining that he followed proper procedures and attempted to rectify any administrative errors. His response demonstrates awareness of proper electoral processes and commitment to legal compliance.
The Deputy Chief Minister explained that he was originally registered as a voter in the Bankipur constituency and applied for fresh voter ID registration from Lakhisarai in April 2024. He emphasized that this application was part of a legitimate relocation process rather than any attempt to maintain multiple voting registrations.
Vijay Sinha specifically stated that he requested the Election Commission to remove his name and his family members’ names from the Bankipur voter list, providing documentation to support his claims. He maintained that these names were not removed due to administrative reasons beyond his control rather than any deliberate attempt to maintain duplicate registrations.
Evidence and Documentation Claims
The Deputy Chief Minister asserted that he possesses comprehensive evidence supporting his version of events, including written applications, receipts, and correspondence with election officials. This documentation potentially provides crucial evidence for resolving the controversy and determining whether any electoral violations occurred.
Vijay Sinha specifically mentioned submitting written applications to booth-level officers requesting deletion of his name from Bankipur voter lists, maintaining receipts as proof of these legitimate requests. This documentation trail suggests systematic attempts to comply with electoral regulations and resolve administrative discrepancies.
Political Implications and Counter-Accusations
The Deputy Chief Minister characterized Tejashwi Yadav’s allegations as politically motivated attempts to mislead the public through false claims, describing the RJD leader as the “prince of jungle-raj” and demanding an apology for what he termed false allegations that damage his reputation and credibility.
This exchange highlights the intensely political nature of electoral controversies in Bihar and demonstrates how voter registration issues can become weapons in broader political battles between competing parties seeking electoral advantage through allegations of impropriety and fraud.
