RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav’s claim that his name was missing from Bihar’s revised draft voters’ list has stirred a political storm, but the Election Commission swiftly rejected the allegation, releasing proof that his name is very much present in the draft rolls. During a press conference in Patna, Yadav showed his Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number and attempted to verify it via the Election Commission’s mobile app, which returned a "no records found" error—prompting him to question how he could even contest the upcoming elections if his name was absent from the list.
However, the Election Commission countered the claim almost immediately by publishing the specific details of Yadav’s voter registration. According to the Commission, he appears at Serial Number 416 in the electoral roll under a booth in the Veterinary College area of Patna. They described his statement as a "mischievous claim" and accused him of misleading the public. Interestingly, the EPIC number listed in the Commission’s data differed from the one Yadav presented at his press briefing, raising questions about whether the discrepancy stemmed from a genuine error, a misunderstanding, or something else entirely.
The controversy emerges at a time when the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Bihar has already attracted criticism. The Opposition, led by parties like the RJD, has condemned the revision as an orchestrated move to suppress certain voter groups. The Election Commission has admitted to removing around 65 lakh names from the rolls, citing them as illegal entries. This massive purge has drawn accusations of discrimination, especially from leaders like Yadav, who argue that the process lacks transparency and accountability.
Yadav questioned whether any notices were issued to the voters whose names were deleted and whether they were given a fair chance to contest the removal. He further accused the Election Commission of ignoring both judicial suggestions and objections raised by opposition parties, branding its actions as "dictatorial" and "anti-democratic."
In response, BJP leaders quickly capitalized on the situation. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya posted on social media that Yadav’s claim was false and an attempt to spread misinformation. He emphasized the need to verify facts before making public statements that could mislead voters.
While the Election Commission has opened the door for objections and claims until September 1, the episode underscores the deepening distrust between opposition parties and institutions tasked with upholding democratic processes. The broader concern now extends beyond one individual’s voter status—it touches on the perceived impartiality and transparency of the voter roll revision, just months before the crucial assembly elections in Bihar.
