Is Legal Action Possible for Two Voter Cards? Challenges for Tejashwi Yadav's Election Bid

Tejashwi Yadav claimed in a press conference that he voted in the last Lok Sabha elections with the EPIC number RAB2916120, missing from the draft roll. Instead, his name is listed with EPIC number RAB0456228. This development complicates matters for him as he possesses two voter ID cards.
Leader of the Opposition in Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav (Photo: PTI)

Source: aajtak

The political landscape in Bihar is heating up amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted by the Election Commission. Former Deputy Chief Minister and leader of the opposition in the assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, is under scrutiny for possessing two voter ID cards. On Sunday, the Election Commission sent a letter to RJD leader Tejashwi asking for details about his voter identification card (EPIC) numbers.

Tejashwi Holding Two Voter Cards

On Friday, Tejashwi alleged that his name is missing from the state's voter list draft published on August 1, 2025. However, the commission dismissed this claim and requested details about his second voter card. The commission released a draft voter list noting a different EPIC number.

Read More: A Mistake Costs Tejashwi Dearly! Political Storm in Bihar due to Two EPIC Numbers of RJD Leader

Tejashwi Yadav claimed in a press conference that he voted in last year’s Lok Sabha election with the EPIC number RAB2916120 card, now absent from the draft roll. Instead, his name appears with a different EPIC number RAB0456228, causing him predicaments with two voter cards.

Different EPIC Numbers

Tejashwi Yadav is a voter from the Digha assembly seat in Bihar, yet represents the Raghopur assembly seat in the state assembly. The electoral registration officer (ERO) of the Digha constituency informed the RJD leader that their investigation lists his name at serial number 416 in polling station 204 with EPIC number RAB0456228.

During his press conference, Tejashwi displayed his EPIC number RAB2916120 on the Election Commission’s official website with CAPTCHA for journalists, pointing out his number's absence. He then accused the Election Commission of working for the BJP and asked how he could contest upcoming assembly elections with his name missing from the draft voter list.

NDA leaders have appealed to the Election Commission to register a case against Tejashwi Yadav for holding two voter cards. Leaders of BJP and its allies in Bihar argue that it is illegal for any individual to possess two voter identification cards.

Legal Insights

In India, holding two voter cards is a legal offense under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, viewed as a serious violation. Legal actions against an individual for holding two voter ID cards may include fines, imprisonment, or both. This could also affect a leader like Tejashwi Yadav’s eligibility to contest elections.

Read More: Did Tejashwi Yadav's Bet Backfire? Election Commission Initiates Probe into Second Voter Card Suspecting Foul Play

According to Election Commission rules, an individual’s name can be listed in the voter list of only one assembly constituency. Possession of multiple voter cards or different EPIC numbers in one name is illegal. Sections 17 and 18 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 restrict an individual's name from appearing in more than one voter list.

Suspension of Voting Rights Possible

Having two voter ID cards results in duplicate entries in the voter list, which is illegal. Section 31 states that providing false information or fraudulent documents for voter list entry is an offense. If the second voter ID card was obtained through fraudulent documents, legal consequences like imprisonment or fines could be imposed.

If Tejashwi is found guilty of possessing two voter ID cards, particularly if the second card was obtained illegally, it may be deemed a serious electoral offense, leading to potential suspension of his voting rights and legal actions.

The Election Commission ensures no duplicate entries exist in the voter list under any circumstances. If any individual is found holding two voter ID cards, the commission initiates verification and removal of duplicate entries. Criminal proceedings follow if fraud is detected.

ECI Indicates Potential Fraud

The Election Commission lists Tejashwi Yadav with a different EPIC number than the one he showed in a press conference. BJP and JDU have accused Tejashwi of possessing two voter ID cards. BJP called it an 'electoral scam', urging prosecution and suspension of Tejashwi's voting rights.

The Election Commission has issued a notice to Tejashwi, questioning him about the possession of two voter ID cards and hinting at the possibility that the second EPIC number (RAB2916120) might be fake or illegitimately obtained, as it was absent in records over the past decade. The commission's records list EPIC number RAB0456228 against his name.

Read More: Did Tejashwi Yadav's Voter ID Number Change? Tejashwi vs Election Commission Over Two EPIC Numbers

Now, Tejashwi Yadav must respond to the Election Commission's notice by explaining how he came to possess two voter ID cards. The commission will review his response and verify its records. Proving deliberate possession of two voter IDs or fraudulent document use could result in significant difficulties for him.

Risk of Disqualification

The Representation of the People Act dictates that electoral fraud or misinformation can lead to a candidate's disqualification or temporary ineligibility to contest elections. If proven that voter ID cards were fraudulently obtained, Tejashwi's voting rights may be temporarily suspended, and charges could be filed if the second voter ID is deemed fake.

Approaching upcoming Bihar assembly elections, this issue presented a 'window of opportunity' for Tejashwi's opponents. Previously, parties like RJD and Congress criticized SIR's conduct and targeted the Election Commission and ruling party. However, the tables have turned, as parties like JDU-BJP now target Tejashwi over his two voter IDs.

Can Tejashwi Escape Legal Trouble?

If Tejashwi can prove to the Election Commission that the second EPIC number (RAB2916120) was mistakenly or technically due in his possession and unused, he could avoid legal action. However, at a press conference, the RJD leader claimed he used this same ID card in the last Lok Sabha election.

If he argues the second voter ID is outdated or deactivated and unused, he might escape action. However, the Election Commission's absence of this number from a decade-long record directs skepticism toward Tejashwi. He must clarify the origins of the second EPIC number in his response to the commission's notice and provide satisfactory answers to evade action.

For an ordinary citizen accidentally holding two voter ID cards, contacting the Election Commission is advised for avoiding legal complications. One should approach the nearest Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Booth Level Officer (BLO) and report dual card possession. Filling out Form 7 (for name removal from voter list) to remove one voter ID is advisable, available both online and offline.

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