The development happened after RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused Sinha of voter fraud earlier in the day. Yadav claimed that Sinha is listed as a voter in both the Lakhisarai and Bankipur constituencies, which are in different districts. He demanded action and questioned why the deputy CM hasn’t resigned.
A notice from the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of Bankipur was sent to Sinha, asking him to explain why his name appears on voter lists in two constituencies and why he holds two Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs). He has been asked to respond by August 14.
Tejashwi Yadav alleged that Sinha’s EPIC number in Lakhisarai is IAF3939337, while in Bankipur it is AFS0853341. “In one record, he is 57 years old; in another, he is 60. Is this not fraud?” Yadav asked. He also questioned whether the Election Commission would treat the case with the same seriousness as it does with Opposition leaders.
Responding to the allegations, Sinha denied any wrongdoing. He said he had applied in April 2024 to transfer his name from Bankipur to Lakhisarai and submitted a request to have his and his family’s names removed from the Bankipur list. However, his name still appeared in the Bankipur draft roll.
“I vote from only one place. This is a baseless charge. Tejashwi is trying to mislead the public with false claims,” Sinha said, adding that he had proof of his application for removal from Bankipur.
Meanwhile, the Congress also weighed in. Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Kumar shared screenshots on social media showing Sinha listed as a voter in both Lakhisarai and Bankipur. PTI, however, could not independently verify the authenticity of those screenshots.
Rajesh Kumar questioned whether Sinha had voted in both places and if legal action, including an FIR, would follow.
Interestingly, Tejashwi Yadav himself is also under scrutiny for allegedly holding two EPIC numbers. The EC had recently asked him for a response. On Sunday, Yadav said he had replied to the EC and blamed the commission’s officials for the mistake.
“Why should I explain their error? They issued two IDs, and now they’re asking me to clarify,” he said.
The Election Commission has yet to comment publicly on either case.
