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New Delhi, October 28 (IANS) Jan Suraj founder Prashant Kishore has come under the scanner following reports alleging that his name is in the voter lists of both Bihar and West Bengal.
This revelation has created a new political storm in Bihar ahead of the important assembly elections.
According to a notice issued by the returning officer of 209-Karhagar assembly constituency in Sasaram, the matter came to light following a report published in the Indian Express on October 28.
The report claimed that Kishor’s name was listed in the voter list of Bengal, his address is listed as 121 Kalighat Road, which is the Trinamool Congress office in Bhabanipur, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s assembly constituency, while in Bihar, he is registered as a voter under Sasaram parliamentary constituency in Karghar assembly constituency.
The notice addressed to Prashant Kishor cited Section 17 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which prevents a person from being registered as a voter in more than one constituency.
It warns that violation of this provision may lead to legal action and penalty under the same Act, which may include imprisonment of up to one year or fine or both.
The document states that Kishore’s Voter ID number in Karhagar assembly constituency is IUJ1323718, which corresponds to part number 621 of the roll.
The returning officer has directed him to clarify within three days whether his name is actually registered in more than one constituency.
“If your name is registered in more than one assembly constituency, please confirm and clarify the status within three days,” the notice said. It added that failure to do so may result in action as per electoral law.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time, when Kishor’s Jan Suraj movement is expanding its presence in the political scene of Bihar.
Opposition parties are likely to raise the issue to question his credibility, while Kishor’s camp is yet to issue any official response.
–IANS
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