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A political firestorm has erupted in Bihar following a formal notice issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to Tejashwi Yadav, former Deputy Chief Minister and senior leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The controversy centers around an allegedly non-existent EPIC number cited by Tejashwi during a press conference, leading to questions over voter ID authenticity, electoral transparency, and political credibility.
📜 What Triggered the Controversy?
In late July 2025, Tejashwi claimed during a press conference that his name had been removed from the draft voter list published during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive in Bihar. To support his claim, he provided an Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number: RAB2916120.
However, when this number was cross-checked in the public domain through the official voter portal, it yielded “no record found.”
🏛️ ECI’s Response: No Such EPIC Issued
Shortly afterward, the Election Commission countered Tejashwi’s claim, stating that:
- The EPIC number RAB2916120 has never been officially issued.
- The valid EPIC number assigned to Tejashwi is RAB0456228.
- This correct voter ID is registered in the Digha Assembly constituency, listed under serial number 416 at polling station 204.
The ECI has served a formal notice to Tejashwi, demanding that he produce the original EPIC card bearing the disputed number.
🔍 Legal & Electoral Implications
Holding two voter IDs or presenting an unissued EPIC could potentially fall under electoral fraud, punishable under:
- Representation of the People Act, 1950
- Indian Penal Code Sections 420 (cheating) and 468 (forgery)
If Tejashwi fails to present the disputed EPIC card or if it’s found to be fabricated, the matter may escalate into legal proceedings or disqualification claims.
🔥 Political Fallout: Accusations and Denials
BJP & JD(U) Allegations:
- Accused Tejashwi of misleading the public.
- Demanded a criminal probe into possible voter ID fraud.
RJD Counter-Claims:
- Spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan alleged manipulation of records after the press conference.
- Accused the ECI of siding with political opponents.
- Claimed Tejashwi was highlighting broader issues with voter list cleansing under the SIR.
🧾 What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
SIR is a voter list purification drive where:
- Duplicate, deceased, or shifted voters are removed.
- Fresh applications and corrections are made.
- The ECI aims to improve electoral accuracy, but has been criticized for potential mass deletions without due process.
🗳️ Summary Table of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 2025 | Tejashwi claims voter roll exclusion; cites EPIC RAB2916120 |
| ECI Verification | Finds the EPIC invalid; confirms valid ID as RAB0456228 |
| ECI Action | Issues notice demanding original card; labels alternate EPIC “unofficial” |
| Political Reaction | BJP seeks probe; RJD alleges record manipulation |
❓ FAQs – ECI Notice to Tejashwi Yadav
Q1: What is an EPIC number?
👉 EPIC stands for Electors Photo Identity Card, a unique voter ID issued by ECI.
Q2: Did Tejashwi Yadav hold two voter IDs?
👉 The ECI alleges the second EPIC number he cited does not exist in their database.
Q3: What happens if the EPIC is found to be fake?
👉 Legal action may be taken under electoral and criminal laws.
Q4: What does the RJD say?
👉 They claim the record was changed post-conference and accuse the ECI of bias.
Q5: Is Tejashwi still a registered voter?
👉 Yes, under EPIC number RAB0456228 in the Digha constituency.
Q6: Could this impact upcoming elections?
👉 The controversy may influence public perception and fuel legal scrutiny during Bihar’s election cycle.
🧠 Final Thoughts
The ECI notice to Tejashwi Yadav has reignited debates over voter ID integrity, bureaucratic transparency, and political accountability. While the matter is under investigation, it also raises broader concerns about public trust in electoral institutions and the misuse—or misunderstanding—of administrative records for political mileage.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: clarity, documentation, and legal adherence are more crucial than ever in India’s democratic process.