Election Commission clarifies over duplicate EPIC numbers amid Mamta Banerjee’s fake voter aligations

Fake voter allegations: Amid reports flagging issuance of identical voter card numbers to electors in two different states, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday clarified that duplicate Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers do not imply fake voters. The clarification comes after concerns were raised on social media and in media reports regarding electors in different states and union territories having identical elector photo identity card (EPIC) numbers.

The poll body further explained that while EPIC numbers of some of the voters “may be identical”, the other details, including demographic details, assembly constituency and polling booth are different.

ECI on duplicate EPIC numbers

In a press note, the Election Commission said, “The Election Commission has taken cognizance of certain social media posts and media reports flagging the issue of electors of two states having identical EPIC numbers. In this regard, it is clarified that while the EPIC numbers of some of the electors may be identical, the other details, including demographic details, Assembly Constituency and polling booth, are different for the electors with the same EPIC number. Irrespective of the EPIC number, any elector can cast a vote only at their designated polling station in their respective Constituency in their State/UT where they are enrolled in the electoral roll and nowhere else.”