Election Commission Issues Notice to Prashant Kishor for Dual Voter Enrollment
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has served a notice to political strategist Prashant Kishor after discovering his name in voter lists of Bihar (Munger) and West Bengal (Kolkata). The case highlights potential violations of electoral laws, sparking debates on voter integrity.
Why Did the ECI Issue the Notice?
Kishor, founder of I-PAC, allegedly breached Section 17 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which bars dual voter registrations. The ECI flagged the discrepancy during routine checks and gave him 7 days to respond before removing his name from one constituency.
Legal Consequences of Dual Voter Registration
- Punishable offense: Fines or imprisonment under electoral laws.
- Past cases: Politicians, MPs, and MLAs have faced similar scrutiny.
- ECI’s ERPAP initiative: Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme aims to eliminate such errors.
Prashant Kishor’s Silence Fuels Speculation
The strategist, known for advising parties like BJP, Congress, and TMC, has not commented. Analysts suggest a clerical error, but legal experts insist compliance is mandatory.
Broader Concerns: Voter Fraud & Electoral Reforms
- Opposition demands audits: Congress and others call for stricter checks.
- EPIC system gaps: Despite digital voter IDs, dual enrollments persist.
- Public awareness: Voters can check status via NVSP (National Voter’s Service Portal).
What’s Next?
- Kishor’s response will determine if his name is struck off one list.
- Legal action unlikely unless intentional fraud is proven.
Conclusion
The ECI’s action underscores the need for electoral transparency. As India prepares for upcoming elections, resolving such discrepancies remains crucial.
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