Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP, Rahul Gandhi, today called for a comprehensive discussion on alleged discrepancies in voter lists during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament. Addressing Speaker Om Birla during Zero Hour, Gandhi emphasized the widespread concerns regarding the integrity of electoral rolls across various states.
Gandhi highlighted that questions about the accuracy of voter lists have emerged nationwide, citing specific issues in Maharashtra where anomalies between black and white voter lists were reported. He asserted that the entire opposition is united in demanding a thorough debate on this critical matter to ensure the sanctity of the democratic process.
Earlier, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy raised the issue of duplicate Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers found in constituencies across West Bengal and Haryana. Roy labeled this a “serious flaw” that could adversely affect upcoming elections in states like West Bengal and Assam. He urged the Election Commission to conduct a meticulous revision of the voter lists to address these concerns.
Responding to these points, Speaker Om Birla remarked, “Does the Central Government prepare voters list?” Acknowledging the Speaker’s observation that the government does not directly prepare voter lists, Gandhi reiterated the opposition’s stance, stating, “We accept your remarks that the government does not make voter lists. But we demand a discussion on the issue.”
The Election Commission has acknowledged the concerns raised and committed to resolving the issues within three months. This development underscores the necessity for vigilance and accuracy in maintaining electoral rolls, especially with significant state elections on the horizon.
