Bihar’s CPI(ML) MP Sudama Prasad faces controversy as his wife is found with two voter IDs after he challenged the electoral roll in the Supreme Court.
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NEW DELHI: As Bihar moves toward its Assembly elections, fresh controversies over duplicate voter ID cards (EPICs) have emerged in politics. Allegations against top leaders, including CPI(ML) MP Sudama Prasad’s wife and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.
With the matter now before the Supreme Court, questions around voter fraud and electoral transparency are gaining national attention.
A latest controversy involves Sudama Prasad, a Member of Parliament from the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation (CPI-ML), and a vocal petitioner in the Supreme Court against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. Ironically, the credibility of his petition has come under scrutiny following allegations that his wife, Shobha Devi, holds two separate voter ID cards—a clear violation of election laws.
According to sources from the Bihar election office:
- EPIC Number RGX3264140 lists her in the Arrah Assembly constituency with Lavarish Seva Kendra as her polling booth.
- EPIC Number WVA0308544 places her in the Agiaon constituency with Samudayik Bhavan Araila as her polling station.
This dual registration raises serious concerns about the integrity of the voter list and puts the spotlight back on the electoral processes in Bihar.
Simultaneously, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Leader of the Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, claimed on August 2 that his name was mysteriously excluded from Bihar’s draft electoral roll. However, sources within the Election Commission of India (ECI) suggested that he, too, might have two EPIC numbers, one of which was removed during the SIR.
In response, the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of Digha Assembly constituency issued an official letter to Yadav on August 3, requesting him to submit the details and original copy of the allegedly deleted voter ID for a thorough probe.
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The ERO’s communication directly addressed Yadav’s press conference claims and sought clarification
“In connection with the statement given… regarding non-inclusion of names in the draft electoral list published on the basis of the eligibility date July 1, 2025.”
The dual EPIC controversies come in the backdrop of an ongoing Supreme Court case examining the legality and execution of the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral roll, especially concerning mass voter exclusions. The apex court, in its recent hearing, has deferred the matter to August 12 but assured immediate intervention if large-scale disenfranchisement is evident.
The revelation of potential dual voter registrations among top leaders undermines their political standing and also casts a shadow over the credibility of the electoral roll revision process. These cases highlight:
- The urgent need for technological cross-verification mechanisms to prevent duplication of voter IDs.
- The importance of accountability among public representatives is particularly evident when they challenge the system in judicial forums.
- A broader political narrative is emerging around electoral manipulation ahead of high-stakes elections.
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