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Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra on Wednesday called for transparency and clarity from the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding its decision to link Voter ID cards with Aadhaar.
He urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to issue a comprehensive document explaining the linkage of Voter ID (EPIC) with Aadhaar, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding its objectives and privacy concerns. Speaking on the matter, Patra told ANI, "On EPIC and Aadhaar cards, there has to be a clear paper that the Election Commission of India should provide to the public at large. I believe the Election Commission of India should provide clarity, an FAQ, and a clear paper as to what it seeks to achieve by this and whether the privacy of the voters is not being compromised." Patra emphasised that Indian democracy is not just about political parties, but about every citizen, and therefore, the ECI should provide a clear explanation of the initiative's goals and its potential impact on voter privacy. "Indian democracy is not confined to political parties in the Parliament. Indian democracy is the threshold of every citizen of this country, and if there is this linkage of Aadhaars and the concern that beneficiaries might get tagged and mapped," he added. He further noted that while the Election Commission has initiated the process, it should provide further details to ensure transparency. "Election Commission has started an initiative as we understand, but clarity about this has to come from the Election Commission," he added. The ECI's move to link Voter ID cards with Aadhaar aims to enhance electoral integrity and prevent duplicate voter registrations. However, concerns have been raised about the potential risks of linking these two critical documents, particularly with regard to voter privacy and data security. Earlier on Tuesday, the Election Commission of India (ECI), led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, held a crucial meeting with key officials and technical experts to discuss the linking of Voter ID (EPIC) with Aadhaar. Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, along with the Union Home Secretary, Secretary Legislative Department, Secretary MeitY and CEO, UIDAI and technical experts of the ECI, also participated in the meeting. The commission clarified that the process will strictly adhere to Article 326 of the Constitution and relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. In line with a Supreme Court ruling, the ECI emphasized that Aadhaar serves only as proof of identity, not citizenship. Technical consultations between UIDAI and ECI experts will commence soon on the matter. "While, as per Article 326 of the constitution of India, voting rights can only be given to a citizen of India; an Aadhaar card only establishes the identity of a person," the Commission said. "Therefore, it was decided that the linking of EPIC with Aadhaar will be done only as per the provisions of Article 326 of the constitution, Section 23(4), 23(5) and 23(6) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and in line with the Supreme Court judgement in WP(civil) No. 177/2023. Accordingly, technical consultations between UIDAI and the technical experts of ECI are to begin soon," it added. According to sources in the Election Commission of India, these steps aim to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in the electoral process ahead of the upcoming elections. The Election Commission is set to conduct All Party Meetings at the level of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), District Election Officers (DEOs), and Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) before March 31, 2025. (ANI)
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