RJD MP Manoj Jha Highlights Duplicate EPIC Card Issues in Parliament
NEW DELHI: During the ‘zero hour’ in the Rajya Sabha, RJD MP Manoj Jha raised significant concerns regarding the issue of duplicate EPIC card numbers. He urged the Election Commission to swiftly assess the scope of this duplication, investigate its origins, and implement necessary corrective actions.
This discussion gained traction following the Trinamool Congress’s attempt to address the matter, initially through an adjournment notice which was rejected. However, they suggested discussing it under Rule 176, which allows for urgent issues to be raised for discussion. The Deputy Chairman, Harivansh, acknowledged the proposal, yet it was not utilized by the party.
The Impact of Duplicate Voter IDs
Jha emphasized the detrimental effects of duplicate voter IDs on political parties and the electorate. He recalled the foundational discussions during the drafting of Article 324, which aimed to ensure “free and fair elections” and a “level-playing field.” He expressed concern over the issuance of duplicate IDs in border states, citing that these numbers run into lakhs, thereby compromising electoral integrity.
“If the electoral process is undermined, it amounts to fraud,” Jha warned. He called on Parliament to encourage the Election Commission to evaluate the duplication’s extent and identify its sources, along with implementing urgent corrective measures.
Call for Transparency in Voter Lists
Furthermore, Jha proposed that the Election Commission publish a list detailing deletions, new additions, and modifications made to the voter lists. This suggestion follows earlier claims by Congress MP Pramod Tiwari regarding the addition of 48 lakh voters to Maharashtra’s rolls between recent elections.
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