Rectify mistakes in EPIC cards before linking them with Aadhaar, Trinamool tells EC

IANS April 4, 2025 231 views

Trinamool Congress has raised serious concerns about the Election Commission's proposed EPIC-Aadhaar card linking process. The party's parliamentary delegation met the Chief Election Commissioner to highlight potential irregularities in voter registration. Their primary argument centers on resolving existing errors in electoral rolls before mandating card integration. Trinamool leaders view this as a potential conspiracy to manipulate voter databases and are committed to challenging the current verification approach.

"First, we want an error-free electoral list" - Saugata Roy, Trinamool MP
Kolkata/New Delhi, April 4: West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress on Friday appealed to the Election Commission to first rectify the existing errors related to EPIC cards before linking them with the Aadhaar cards.

Key Points

1

Trinamool MPs meet Election Commission challenging EPIC-Aadhaar linking

2

Party raises concerns about potential voter registration irregularities

3

Demands comprehensive verification before mandatory card integration

4

Questions optional status of card linking process

A delegation of the Trinamool members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha met the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar and submitted a memorandum, which raised some questions regarding the linking of EPIC cards with Aadhaar cards.

The first question was whether linking EPIC cards with Aadhaar cards is optional or not, and why the commission sought the approval of the Union government to make the EPIC-Aadhaar linking optional.

It also questioned why the commission did not challenge the disapproval of the Union government in the matter in the court. In the memorandum, a question has also been raised on the number of EPIC cards that have already been verified by the poll panel.

Veteran Trinamool leader and four-time MP Saugata Roy said that his party is strongly against EPIC-Aadhaar linking at this moment.

"A delegation of our party MPs raised this issue with the Chief Election Commissioner. There had been several forgeries in both EPIC and Aadhaar cards in the past. First, we want an error-free electoral list. Our leadership will continue with our movement till the time our demands are met," he said.

Trinamool Rajya Sabha member Ritabrata Banerjee said that his party leadership is dead against EPIC-Aadhaar linking. "The Union government is discouraging any discussions on EPIC irregularities since they are scared to face discussions. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had raised the pertinent question of multiple voters having the same EPIC numbers. So we think that this new initiative of EPIC-AADHAR linking is a dangerous blueprint for a larger conspiracy,” Banerjee said.

Last month, the Trinamool demanded that the ECI ensure a "Unique ID" for the EPIC cards in line with what is there in Aadhaar cards and passports. Then Trinamool leadership also demanded a physical verification in case of those voters who had been registered online.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is a valid concern. I've personally seen cases where names are misspelled on EPIC cards in my area. Linking with Aadhaar without fixing errors first could create bigger problems. Good that TMC is raising this issue.
P
Priya M.
While I understand the concerns, I think linking will ultimately help reduce voter fraud. Maybe they could implement it in phases - fix errors first, then link? 🤔
S
Sunil D.
The multiple voter issue is real! In my building alone, we found 3 people with same EPIC numbers. How can we trust elections if basic ID systems aren't fixed? This linking seems rushed.
A
Ananya R.
I appreciate TMC raising these questions, but I wish they'd propose concrete solutions too. Just opposing everything without alternatives isn't helpful. The Unique ID suggestion is a good start though!
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Mohit G.
Physical verification is crucial! So many fake online registrations these days. My cousin tried to register online but his application got rejected 3 times for no clear reason. The system needs more transparency.
N
Neha T.
Why is everything so complicated? Just make a proper system that works! We pay taxes for this 😤 Both EPIC and Aadhaar should be flawless if they're going to be linked.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Trinamool Congress Election Commission EPIC Cards Aadhaar Voter Verification Saugata Roy Mamata Banerjee
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