Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday called for a discussion in the Lok Sabha regarding voter lists, an issue that has been questioned by multiple political parties. Gandhi reiterated the opposition's persistent demand for a discussion on voter lists during zero hour which has once again given a chance to the opposition parties to come together on a singular issue.
"We acknowledge your statement that the government does not prepare voter lists. However, we insist on a discussion regarding the concerns surrounding them," Rahul Gandhi said.
#WATCH | Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "...Questions are being raised across the country on the voter's list. In every opposition, questions are raised on the voter's list. The entire opposition is just saying that there should be a discussion on the voter's… pic.twitter.com/Ez3fVbsgKP
— ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2025
He emphasized that doubts over voter lists have been raised nationwide, with opposition parties unanimously voicing concerns in various states, including Maharashtra.
Later, Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, attempted to raise the issue during zero hour but was denied permission, prompting the opposition to stage a walkout.
"The abrupt and unjustified deletion of voters, duplicate EPIC numbers, and other critical irregularities threaten the integrity of our electoral process and demand urgent parliamentary discussion," Kharge posted on X.
The entire Opposition wants a detailed discussion on the doubts arisen regarding various discrepancies in the Voters List.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) March 10, 2025
Parliament must protect the faith of the people in Democracy and the Constitution of India.
Election Commission of India’s as per its press release dated… pic.twitter.com/yEGTPqSXRj
Emphasizing the gravity of the issue, he added that these large-scale irregularities pose a serious threat to free and fair elections. "The Modi government must allow a comprehensive discussion in Parliament."
Earlier in the day, Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy also highlighted discrepancies in the voter lists, citing that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had flagged instances of identical EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card) numbers appearing in Murshidabad, Burdwan, and even in Haryana.
The Congress and the TMC share love hate relationship on the national and state level political stage. However the voter list issue was mutually targeted by the two parties.
Roy further informed the House that a Trinamool delegation would be meeting the newly-appointed Chief Election Commissioner to bring these issues to his attention.
He also called for a comprehensive revision of voter lists, particularly ahead of the Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam next year.
"There are glaring flaws. Maharashtra’s voter lists were found to be inflated. Similar issues were flagged in Haryana. Now, efforts are underway to manipulate voter rolls in West Bengal and Assam, where elections are due next year," Roy alleged.
He urged the Election Commission to conduct a thorough review and provide answers regarding these inconsistencies. "The Election Commission must explain to the nation why these errors have occurred," he asserted.
Now what remains to be seen is whether opposition parties are able to consistently raise the issue outside Parliament too and garner more support, especially from INDIA bloc partners ahead of Bihar assembly elections scheduled end of this year .
