Tejashwi Yadav's EPIC row: Why is RJD leader embroiled in controversy over two voter IDs

The controversy began on August 2 when Tejashwi Yadav held a press conference claiming that his name was missing from Bihar’s draft electoral roll

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday took on the Election Commission seeking accountability from the poll body over the issuance of two Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers to him.

"I have not received any notice from the Election Commission, but from the Patna Registration Department, and I will give a good answer to it. If two EPIC numbers were issued, who is at fault? And they ask for an explanation from me..." he told ANI.

This comes amid the ongoing row over Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and opposition's protest in Parliament

What is an EPIC card?

The term "EPIC" stands for Electoral Photo Identity Card. The EPIC number is a unique alphanumeric code printed on every Indian voter ID Card. It is used to quickly identify voters and prevent duplication. This number is essential if you want to apply for a new card, verify your name on the voter list, or vote in elections. It is printed on the front of a voter id card.

In 1957, the idea of EPIC was proposed. However, it wasn’t until 1993 that these identity cards became a nationwide reality.

The EPIC bill, introduced in 1958, played a major role in laying the foundation for these identity cards. Spearheaded by individuals such as Sukumar Sen, India’s first Chief Election Commissioner, the bill eventually became law, paving the way for the implementation of Electors Photo Identity Cards.

In 2021, the EC launched the Electronic Electoral Photo Identity Card (e-EPIC). This digital version of the voter identity card, with its secure QR code and non-editable format, marked a significant advancement in ensuring easier access and storage for voters.

What to do if you have two voter IDs?

The poll panel says if someone finds themselves with two voter IDs, they must:

•Fill Form 7 to delete one of the entries

•Submit the EPIC number of the older or incorrect card to the local booth-level officer

•Surrender the duplicate card at the nearest election office

Beginning of row

The controversy began on August 2 when Yadav held a press conference claiming that his name was missing from Bihar’s draft electoral roll. "My name is also not on the voter list. How will I contest the elections?," the RJD leader asked at the presser.

He presented EPIC number RAB2916120 as his voter ID. However, when this number was checked on the poll panel website, it returned no results. The EC revealed that the official and valid EPIC number registered under Yadav is RAB0456228, which lists him at polling station 204, serial number 416. The number he cited, RAB2916120, was found to be non-existent and categorised as unauthorised.

The EC sent a formal notice to Yadav asking him to produce the original copy of the disputed voter card for verification.

The poll panel denied Yadav’s allegations, calling them “mischievous” and “factually incorrect.” The poll panel had issued a reminder notice to Tejashwi Yadav, urging him to respond by August 8 regarding the alleged dual EPIC matter.

The concerned electoral registration officer (ERO), in a reminder sent to Tejashwi on Wednesday, cited his letter dated August 3, in which he was asked to submit original EPIC card no RAB2916120 for a thorough investigation into its authenticity and origins. “You are requested to provide details of the card, along with its original copy, by the afternoon of August 8,” he told Yadav.

According to EC, Yadav’s name and actual EPIC No. RAB0456228 were “very much included”.

What does BJP say?

The BJP accused the former deputy chief minister and RJD workers of possessing multiple voter ID cards." He cried that his name was not there in the electoral roll, so could he take part in the elections in Bihar?... After that, the EC and Patna DM revealed the truth. They said that Tejashwi Yadav's name and EPIC number are present, and his name has not been cut from the electoral roll published after the SIR," BJP leader Sambit Patra said at a press conference.