Trinamool alleges Bihar voters enrolled in Bengal electoral rolls, releases data
Trinamool Congress alleges duplicate voter enrolment, claiming individuals from Bihar appear on West Bengal rolls with separate EPIC numbers. The party has submitted documents and sought Election Commission action ahead of the polls.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged large-scale irregularities in voter enrollment, claiming that individuals registered as voters in Bihar have also been added to electoral rolls in West Bengal, in violation of election rules.
Releasing what it called "documented proof", the party cited multiple cases where the same individuals were allegedly enrolled in both states with separate Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, enabling them to vote twice.
In one instance which the party claimed, Sulekha Kumari is listed on Bihar's final voter roll for 2025, while also being registered in West Bengal. She is recorded as a voter in Bihar's Assembly Constituency (AC) 115, and West Bengal's AC 276.
In another case, a man identified as Ramesh and his son Umesh are allegedly registered as duplicate voters across two Bihar constituencies, while also being enrolled in West Bengal. The party claimed that minor variations in names, including Parmeshwar and Ramesh being listed as Umesh's father in separate records, facilitated multiple registrations under different voter ID numbers.
The TMC also cited the case of Shyam Bahadur Yadav, who appeared on Bihar's 2026 voter list and is simultaneously registered in West Bengal. According to the party, both he and his wife are voting in the two states.
Another example highlighted by the party involved Kumud Singh and Dolly Devi, who are listed on Bihar's voter rolls while also being registered in West Bengal with separate EPIC numbers. The TMC said it has submitted enumeration forms tracing their Bihar constituency details as evidence.
TMC MP Derek O'Brien said the party had compiled detailed records, including enumeration forms, names and EPIC numbers, to back its claims.
"We are providing documented proof. These are all voters from Bihar who have also voted there. We are asking the Election Commission whether it wants to ensure free and fair elections," he said.
O'Brien also questioned the lack of action on a notice moved by MPs seeking the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging inaction despite serious complaints.
Echoing the charges, West Bengal minister and TMC leader Bratya Basu accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate voter rolls to influence the upcoming elections. "They are destroying democracy. The BJP is ready to go to any extent to win in Bengal," he said, alleging that 'outsiders' were being brought in and added to electoral rolls.
Basu said the party had previously raised concerns about "false voters" being included and questioned how individuals could be eligible to vote in two states simultaneously. He also criticised the Election Commission for not initiating an inquiry, claiming that the Trinamool was forced to investigate the matter on its own.
West Bengal is scheduled to vote in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting set for May 4.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged large-scale irregularities in voter enrollment, claiming that individuals registered as voters in Bihar have also been added to electoral rolls in West Bengal, in violation of election rules.
Releasing what it called "documented proof", the party cited multiple cases where the same individuals were allegedly enrolled in both states with separate Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, enabling them to vote twice.
In one instance which the party claimed, Sulekha Kumari is listed on Bihar's final voter roll for 2025, while also being registered in West Bengal. She is recorded as a voter in Bihar's Assembly Constituency (AC) 115, and West Bengal's AC 276.
In another case, a man identified as Ramesh and his son Umesh are allegedly registered as duplicate voters across two Bihar constituencies, while also being enrolled in West Bengal. The party claimed that minor variations in names, including Parmeshwar and Ramesh being listed as Umesh's father in separate records, facilitated multiple registrations under different voter ID numbers.
The TMC also cited the case of Shyam Bahadur Yadav, who appeared on Bihar's 2026 voter list and is simultaneously registered in West Bengal. According to the party, both he and his wife are voting in the two states.
Another example highlighted by the party involved Kumud Singh and Dolly Devi, who are listed on Bihar's voter rolls while also being registered in West Bengal with separate EPIC numbers. The TMC said it has submitted enumeration forms tracing their Bihar constituency details as evidence.
TMC MP Derek O'Brien said the party had compiled detailed records, including enumeration forms, names and EPIC numbers, to back its claims.
"We are providing documented proof. These are all voters from Bihar who have also voted there. We are asking the Election Commission whether it wants to ensure free and fair elections," he said.
O'Brien also questioned the lack of action on a notice moved by MPs seeking the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging inaction despite serious complaints.
Echoing the charges, West Bengal minister and TMC leader Bratya Basu accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate voter rolls to influence the upcoming elections. "They are destroying democracy. The BJP is ready to go to any extent to win in Bengal," he said, alleging that 'outsiders' were being brought in and added to electoral rolls.
Basu said the party had previously raised concerns about "false voters" being included and questioned how individuals could be eligible to vote in two states simultaneously. He also criticised the Election Commission for not initiating an inquiry, claiming that the Trinamool was forced to investigate the matter on its own.
West Bengal is scheduled to vote in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting set for May 4.
