Is Prashant Kishor's Dual Voter Registration in Bengal and Bihar Legal?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Prashant Kishor's potential dual voter registration has sparked significant political controversy just ahead of crucial Assembly elections. With implications under the Representation of the People Act, this situation raises questions about his credibility and the future of his political movement in Bihar.
Key Takeaways
- Prashant Kishor faces allegations of having dual voter registration in Bihar and West Bengal.
- The issue is linked to the upcoming Assembly elections.
- Legal consequences may arise under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
- Kishor has three days to clarify his registration status.
- This controversy may affect his political credibility.
New Delhi, Oct 28 (NationPress) Prashant Kishor, the founder of Jan Suraaj, is currently facing scrutiny following allegations that his name is listed on the electoral rolls of both Bihar and West Bengal. This revelation has ignited a new political controversy in Bihar as the crucial Assembly elections approach.
A notice from the Returning Officer of the 209-Karhgar Assembly constituency in Sasaram unveiled this situation, which was reported by the Indian Express on October 28.
The report indicates that Kishor’s name appears in the electoral rolls of Bengal, where his address is recorded as 121 Kalighat Road, the location of the Trinamool Congress office in Bhabanipur, the assembly constituency of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In contrast, he is also registered as a voter in Bihar under the Sasaram parliamentary constituency within the Kargahar assembly constituency.
This notice, directed to Prashant Kishor, references Section 17 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which forbids an individual from being registered as a voter in more than one constituency.
It warns that violating this law may lead to legal consequences, including imprisonment for up to one year, fines, or both.
The document specifies Kishor’s voter identification number in the Karhgar Assembly constituency as IUJ1323718, corresponding to Part No. 621 of the electoral rolls.
The Returning Officer has requested that he clarify within three days whether he is indeed registered in more than one constituency.
“If your name is registered in multiple Assembly constituencies, please confirm and provide clarification within three days,” the notice states, emphasizing that failure to comply could result in enforcement actions as per electoral regulations.
This controversy emerges at a critical juncture, as Kishor's Jan Suraaj movement continues to extend its influence within Bihar's political arena.
Political opponents are likely to leverage this situation to question his credibility, while Kishor's faction has not yet provided an official statement.
Point of View
The allegations against Prashant Kishor concerning dual voter registration highlight significant issues regarding electoral integrity. As the political landscape in Bihar shifts, it remains crucial for political figures to adhere to legal standards to maintain public trust, especially with upcoming elections.
NationPress
28/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the implications of dual voter registration?
Dual voter registration can lead to legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment, as it violates the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
How did this issue come to light?
The issue emerged from a report by the Indian Express, which highlighted Prashant Kishor's name appearing on electoral rolls in both Bihar and West Bengal.
What is the deadline for Prashant Kishor to respond?
Prashant Kishor has been given a deadline of three days to clarify his voter registration status.
What does the law say about voter registration?
According to Section 17 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, a person cannot be registered as a voter in more than one constituency.
What could happen if Kishor does not respond?
Failure to respond could lead to actions against him as per electoral law, potentially impacting his political career.
