New Delhi [India]: Congress leader KC Venugopal on Wednesday welcomed the Election Commission’s (EC) decision to address concerns regarding duplicate EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) numbers, stating that opposition parties will closely monitor the process.
“So far it is a welcome step by the Election Commission…Whenever we raise the issue of EPIC cards, the Election Commission or the central government is not ready to agree on that…There will be a 24-hour watchdog system in Congress and INDIA alliance parties to check the voter list and the activity of the Election Commission,” Venugopal told media.
The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, recently held a crucial meeting with officials and technical experts to discuss linking Voter ID cards (EPIC) with Aadhaar. Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, along with the Union Home Secretary, Secretary Legislative Department, Secretary MeitY, CEO UIDAI, and technical experts, participated in the discussion.
The EC clarified that this process will adhere strictly to Article 326 of the Constitution and relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. The commission also emphasized that Aadhaar is only proof of identity, not citizenship, in line with a Supreme Court ruling. Technical consultations between UIDAI and ECI experts are set to begin soon.
The Congress party said the EC’s move acknowledged their concerns about questionable voter lists and appreciated the efforts to “clean up” the system using Aadhaar.
“Congress party welcomes a constructive solution with guardrails to not deny anyone the right to vote,” stated the party’s EAGLE (Empowered Action Group of Leaders and Experts).
The statement further claimed that the EC’s intent to link EPIC numbers with Aadhaar was a direct response to Congress’ allegations about suspicious voter lists seen during the 2024 Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha elections.
“The main charge of the Congress party was that there was an abnormal increase in new voters enrolled in just five months between the Maharashtra Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, implying that either these were fake, duplicate, or ghost voters,” the statement said.
Congress emphasized the importance of ensuring no Indian citizen is denied the right to vote due to Aadhaar linkage and urged the EC to consult all political parties to maintain voter privacy and prevent voter suppression.