Key Points:
- EC addresses concerns over identical EPIC numbers across states
- Duplication due to manual system before ERONET implementation
- Each voter can only cast ballot at designated polling station
- EC to issue unique EPIC numbers to prevent future occurrences
- Mamata Banerjee alleges BJP manipulation of voter lists
Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has addressed concerns raised by social media posts and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding voters from different states sharing identical Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers. The Commission clarified that while such cases exist, they do not indicate the presence of fake voters or electoral fraud.
How Did This Happen?
The ECI explained that the duplication occurred due to a decentralized, manual system used before the implementation of the ERONET platform. This resulted in some state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) offices using identical alphanumeric series for EPIC numbers, leading to duplications across different assembly constituencies and states.
Voter Identity and Electoral Integrity Remain Secure
Despite sharing EPIC numbers, the Commission emphasized that each voter’s demographic details, assembly constituency, and polling booth information remain distinct. Voters can only cast their ballots at their designated polling stations in their respective constituencies.
EC Takes Action to Prevent Future Occurrences
To address concerns and prevent future duplications, the ECI has announced plans to:
- Ensure allocation of unique EPIC numbers to all registered voters
- Rectify existing cases of duplicate EPIC numbers
- Update the ERONET 2.0 platform to streamline the process
Political Reactions and Allegations
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of manipulating voter lists with the EC’s “blessing,” alleging the addition of fake voters from other states. She claimed similar tactics were used in Delhi and Maharashtra elections.
The BJP refuted these allegations, with party leader Amit Malviya accusing Banerjee of spreading misinformation to undermine confidence in the electoral system ahead of the 2026 elections.
As the 2026 Assembly elections approach, the ECI’s clarification aims to maintain public trust in the electoral process while addressing concerns raised by political parties and citizens alike.
