BJD MP Sasmit Patra Seeks Clarity on Voter ID-Aadhaar Linkage

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra on Wednesday raised concerns over the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) decision to link Voter ID (EPIC) with Aadhaar, calling for greater transparency on the issue.

Speaking on the matter, Patra emphasized that Indian democracy extends beyond political parties and directly affects every citizen. "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. Indian democracy is not confined to political parties in Parliament. It is the threshold of every citizen in this country," he stated.

Patra highlighted apprehensions about potential misuse of voter data and privacy breaches. "If there is this linkage of Aadhaars and the concern that beneficiaries might get tagged and mapped, I believe the Election Commission of India should provide clarity and a FAQ on what it seeks to achieve and whether the privacy of voters is not being compromised," he added.

While the Election Commission has initiated the process of linking Aadhaar with Voter IDs to remove duplicate entries and enhance the accuracy of electoral rolls, opposition leaders and activists have raised concerns over voter privacy and data security.