The political temperature in Bihar just went up a notch — and this time, it’s over something as basic as a Voter ID.
BJP spokesperson and MP Sambit Patra has accused RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav of creating unnecessary drama and allegedly spreading lies about his name being “missing” from the electoral rolls. Patra went as far as calling it an “EPIC-level fraud” — pun intended.
What exactly happened?
Tejashwi, in a press conference, claimed that his name was missing from the voter list. That’s a serious claim — especially coming from a former Deputy CM. But soon after, both the Election Commission and the Patna District Magistrate stepped in to clarify: Tejashwi’s name was very much present in the rolls — at Polling Station 2004, with a valid EPIC number.
This should’ve settled it. But nope — the controversy only deepened from here.
Two EPIC numbers, one Tejashwi? Patra raises eyebrows
Sambit Patra jumped in with screenshots and documents, pointing out a major inconsistency: the EPIC number Tejashwi mentioned in his press conference — RAB 2916120 — doesn’t match the one listed in his official records and 2020 election affidavit — RAB 0456228.
According to Patra, this is no minor typo. He’s alleging intentional misinformation, possibly even voter fraud, and questioned why a leader of Tejashwi’s stature would create such confusion unless there was something shady going on.
“If someone like Tejashwi Yadav is seen juggling two EPIC numbers, what message does it send about electoral honesty?” Patra said in a fiery press briefing.
Publicity stunt or genuine confusion?
The whole incident has sparked fresh debates around the transparency of the electoral process — and the responsibility political leaders have in not misleading the public. While some see this as just another pre-election mudslinging episode, others are asking the obvious:
Why would Tejashwi claim his name was missing when official records say otherwise?
Was it a calculated political move? A clerical mix-up? Or just bad communication?
Election Commission steps in
The Election Commission has confirmed that Tejashwi’s voter details are valid and active, which technically clears him of any wrongdoing — but the discrepancy in EPIC numbers may still need explanation. No official statement has been made by Tejashwi yet in response to Patra’s allegations.
Your take? Was this a deliberate ploy to stir emotions before elections — or a genuine mess that got blown out of proportion? Politics or paperwork — where do you stand?
Drop your thoughts below.
