Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 7: Amid controversy over duplicate Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers across multiple states, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has assured that the issue will be resolved within the next three months.

A sample enquiry of over 100 electors confirmed that voters with duplicate EPIC numbers are genuine. The ECI stated that the issue arose due to errors in the allotment of EPIC series since 2000 by some Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). However, it clarified that a voter can only cast their vote at their designated polling station, irrespective of their EPIC number.

The commission revealed that states and union territories were independently managing electoral roll databases, making it difficult to detect duplicate EPIC numbers. Now, after detailed discussions, the ECI plans to introduce a unique national EPIC number to rectify existing duplications and prevent future occurrences.

The issue gained political traction after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of manipulating voter rolls by enrolling outsiders in West Bengal. She urged her party leaders to identify fake voters within ten days.

With over 99 cr registered voters, India’s electoral rolls are among the largest in the world. The ECI reassured those regular updates, including the Annual Special Summary Revision conducted between October and December each year, ensure the integrity of the electoral rolls.