Daijiworld Media Network – Patna

Patna, Aug 10: The controversy over Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists escalated with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accusing Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Vijay Kumar Sinha of holding two Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) with differing details. Yadav alleged that Sinha’s two EPIC cards are registered in separate assembly constituencies — Bankipur and Lakhisarai — with different ages mentioned, raising questions about the legitimacy of the voter list revision.

Speaking at a press conference, Yadav claimed, “Either the Deputy Chief Minister has committed fraud by having two EPIC numbers or the entire SIR process is fraudulent.” He called for an FIR against Sinha, saying the public must know who is responsible for the alleged deception.

Deputy CM Sinha denied the allegations, stating he had already requested the removal of his name from the Bankipur list after realizing it appeared in both constituencies. “My family used to reside in Bankipur. I filed for deletion there and got my name added to the Lakhisarai voter list,” he said, accusing Yadav of spreading false claims without proper knowledge.

The Bihar voter list revision ahead of assembly polls has drawn sharp criticism from the Opposition, with RJD and Congress alleging mass voter deletions, claims rejected by the Election Commission. Amid the row, the poll body sought an explanation from Yadav over allegations that he holds a “fake” EPIC card and asked him to provide details for investigation.

Yadav questioned if the Election Commission would act against Sinha in the same manner it targeted him, accusing the BJP of undermining democracy and using the poll panel to finish off constitutional rights.

The Patna Electoral Registration Officer has requested Yadav to submit EPIC card details by August 8 for a thorough probe into the matter.