West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee brought this issue to light, terming it an "Epic Scam

In a recent development that has sent ripples through the political landscape of West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has levelled serious allegations against the Election Commission of India (ECI). The party claims that the ECI has facilitated voter fraud by allowing the duplication of Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers across different states. This, according to TMC, could potentially lead to non-residents casting votes in West Bengal, thereby compromising the integrity of the electoral process.

The Allegations Unveiled

On February 27, 2025, TMC Chairperson and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee brought this issue to light, terming it an "Epic Scam." She alleged that individuals from other states were being registered as voters in West Bengal using identical EPIC numbers, raising concerns about the authenticity of the voter list.

Following this revelation, TMC's Rajya Sabha leader, Derek O’Brien, addressed a press conference in Delhi on March 3, 2025, reiterating the party's stance. He emphasized that the ECI had "admitted" to the error but had not "accepted" responsibility for it. O’Brien warned that if the issue was not addressed promptly, the party would release more details about the alleged voter fraud.

Election Commission's Response

In response to these allegations, the ECI issued a statement acknowledging that while some EPIC numbers might be identical across different states, other details such as demographic information, assembly constituency, and polling booth assignments are distinct. The commission clarified that this duplication resulted from a decentralized and manual system that was in place before the adoption of the Electoral Roll Management System (ERONET). The ECI assured that measures would be taken to rectify any instances of duplicate EPIC numbers by assigning unique identifiers to each registered elector.

TMC's Demands and Ultimatum

Unsatisfied with the ECI's explanation, the TMC has demanded immediate corrective action to ensure the sanctity of the electoral process in West Bengal. The party has set a 100-day deadline for the ECI to resolve the issue, failing which it has threatened to release further evidence to substantiate its claims. This ultimatum underscores the gravity with which the TMC views the alleged discrepancies in the voter list.

Implications for Upcoming Elections

The allegations and the ensuing controversy come at a critical juncture, with West Bengal gearing up for its assembly elections next year. The integrity of the electoral roll is paramount to ensuring free and fair elections. If the claims of duplicated EPIC numbers are substantiated, it could lead to widespread distrust in the electoral process and question the legitimacy of the election outcomes.

Conclusion

The TMC's allegations against the Election Commission have brought to the forefront concerns about electoral integrity in India. As the situation unfolds, it is imperative for the ECI to address these concerns transparently and expeditiously to uphold the democratic principles that form the bedrock of the nation. The coming days will be crucial in determining how this issue impacts the political dynamics in West Bengal and the broader electoral framework of the country.