The Election Commission of India (EC) has issued a notice to Vijay Kumar Sinha, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and a senior leader of the BJP, regarding allegations that he possesses two voter cards. The notice was served on Sunday, August 10, 2025, prompting Sinha to explain why he is registered as an elector in two different places.

According to officials, the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of the Bankipur Assembly Constituency has instructed Sinha to provide details by 5 p.m. on August 14th. This action was initiated after Sinha's name appeared on the electoral rolls for both the Bankipur and Lakhisarai Assembly Constituencies in Bihar. The ERO-cum-DCLR of Patna Sadar confirmed that Sinha's name is registered in the voter list of polling booth number 405 under the Bankipur Assembly Constituency, as well as in the Lakhisarai Assembly Constituency. The Deputy Collector, Land Reforms-cum-Registration Officer of Patna Sadar, who also serves as the election officer of the Banki assembly constituency, has formally requested Sinha to clarify his possession of two EPIC numbers: AFS0853341 and IAF3939337.

Earlier in the day, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticized Vijay Kumar Sinha, raising questions about the actions taken against Sinha for allegedly holding two voter ID cards. Yadav's allegations have intensified the scrutiny surrounding this issue.

Sinha has responded to the allegations, stating that he had already submitted an application to remove his name from the Bankipur Assembly Constituency electoral roll. He also claimed that he had filled out the necessary form for the deletion of his name from one place. Sinha explained that his family previously resided in the Bankipur assembly area. Furthermore, Sinha claimed that despite his name appearing in both the Bankipur and Lakhisarai assembly constituencies, he only ever voted in the Lakhisarai constituency. He has assured that he will send a reply notice to the concerned authority.

This is not the first instance of such a controversy involving dual EPIC cards in Bihar. A similar case previously involved former Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav. The current situation has drawn attention to the importance of maintaining accurate and updated electoral rolls. The EC's notice to Vijay Kumar Sinha underscores its commitment to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The outcome of this inquiry remains to be seen as officials await Sinha's response and further investigate the matter.