The notice stated that, according to a newspaper report, the Jan Suraaj founder's name appears in West Bengal’s Bhabanipur Constituency as well as in the 209 Kargahar Legislative Assembly Constituency in Bihar
Prashant Kishor. File pic
The Election Commission (EC) has issued a notice to Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor over alleged double enrolment as a voter in Bihar and West Bengal, seeking his clarification within three days, news agency ANI reported.
The notice issued by the returning officer of Kargahar Assembly Constituency read, "As per a news item published on 28.10.2025, your name is registered in the electoral rolls of Bihar and West Bengal.... Therefore, you should present your side within three days regarding the entry of your name in more than one constituency."
The notice further stated that, according to the newspaper report, Kishor’s name appears in West Bengal’s Bhabanipur Constituency as well as in the 209 Kargahar Legislative Assembly Constituency in Bihar, ANI reported.
It also cited Section 17 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which prohibits a person from being registered in more than one constituency. The violation of the law can lead to imprisonment for up to one year, a fine, or both under Section 31 of the same Act.
"You are requested to ensure compliance. Accordingly, you are required to submit your explanation regarding the registration of your name in more than one constituency within three days," the notice added.
Polling for the Bihar Elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The votes will be counted on November 14.
EC has conducted a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to update the voter list, a move that drew criticism from Opposition parties. The notice has attracted attention amid heightened scrutiny of voter rolls in Bihar, with authorities taking steps to ensure transparency ahead of the polls.
Earlier on Monday, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar announced that the poll body will carry out the second phase of SIR of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories, with the final voter list scheduled for publication on February 7, 2026.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, CEC Kumar said the exercise will cover Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
According to the EC, printing and training will take place from October 28 to November 3, followed by an Enumeration Phase from November to December 4. The Draft Electoral Rolls will be published on December 9, with a claims and objections period from December 9 to January 8, 2026. The Notice Phase for hearing and verification will run from December 9 to January 31, 2026, leading to the final electoral rolls publication on February 7, 2026.
"The second phase of SIR is about to be carried out in 12 States and UTs," the CEC said.
However, separate orders will be issued for Assam, which has distinct provisions under the Citizenship Act, Kumar added.
Speaking at the press conference, Kumar said that citizenship verification in Assam, conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court, is nearing completion.
"Under India's Citizenship Act, there are separate provisions for Assam. Under the supervision of the Supreme Court, the checking of citizenship there is about to be completed. The June 24 SIR order was for the entire country. Under such circumstances, this would not have been applicable to Assam. So, separate orders for revision will be issued for Assam," he said.
Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, provides for special provisions for citizenship covered by the Assam Accord.
Following the Supreme Court’s directions, the ECI has included Aadhaar in the list of 12 indicative documents, as per its September 9 order relating to SIR in Bihar.
(With ANI inputs)
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
