In its communication, the EC emphasized the importance of collaboration with political parties to strengthen electoral processes within the established legal framework. The commission has also proposed interactions with party presidents and senior leaders at mutually convenient times to discuss these matters further.
The move comes amid allegations from various political entities about irregularities in voter lists. Notably, a delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party claimed that over 1.3 million duplicate voters were added to the electoral roll in West Bengal during the tenure of the Trinamool Congress . They alleged systematic inclusion of illegal immigrants, including Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals, and identified 8,415 instances where voters were issued the same EPIC numbers.
In response, the TMC has expressed concerns over the presence of duplicate EPIC numbers and the inclusion of voters who have either shifted residences or are deceased. A TMC delegation met with EC officials, urging the commission to release a separate electoral roll highlighting deletions and changes made to address these discrepancies.
The EC acknowledged that some electors share the same EPIC number but maintain distinct demographic details and polling stations. This issue stems from previous manual processes, which are now being rectified with the implementation of ERONET 2.0, an updated system designed to prevent further duplications.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has directed Chief Electoral Officers , District Election Officers , and Electoral Registration Officers across all states and union territories to engage in regular interactions with political parties. He emphasized the need to resolve any issues raised during these meetings strictly within the legal framework and mandated the submission of action-taken reports to the commission by March 31.
The EC's proactive approach underscores its commitment to ensuring transparency and integrity in the electoral process. By soliciting feedback and fostering dialogue with political parties, the commission aims to address concerns effectively and uphold the democratic principles of the nation.
As the April 30 deadline approaches, political parties are expected to compile and submit their observations and suggestions regarding any unresolved issues at the levels of EROs, DEOs, or CEOs. These submissions will play a crucial role in the EC's ongoing efforts to refine and enhance the electoral system, ensuring that it remains robust, transparent, and free from discrepancies.
The EC's initiative also reflects its recognition of the evolving challenges in maintaining accurate and credible voter lists in the digital age. By addressing issues such as duplicate entries and discrepancies in EPIC numbers, the commission aims to bolster public confidence in the electoral process and ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their franchise without hindrance.