Wed Mar 12 17:02:40 UTC 2025: ## Rajya Sabha Opposition Pauses Protest on Voter ID Concerns
**New Delhi, March 13, 2025** – The Opposition in India’s Rajya Sabha temporarily suspended its protest over concerns regarding duplicate electoral photo identity cards (EPICs) and the delimitation exercise. The move follows a discussion initiated by RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha during the Zero Hour.
Jha raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, highlighting that the first three digits of the 10-digit EPIC number signify the Assembly constituency. He noted instances where voters from different states share the same number, suggesting potential irregularities. He urged the Election Commission to investigate the extent of the problem, identify its source, and implement corrective measures, including publishing a detailed list of voter additions, deletions, and modifications.
This apparent de-escalation follows earlier statements by Congress and Trinamool Congress leaders, who also voiced concerns about the EPIC duplication. Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien suggested a short discussion on the matter next week under Rajya Sabha Rule 176, emphasizing the Opposition’s desire for a resolution rather than disruption. The temporary pause in protests suggests a potential thaw in relations between the Union government and the Opposition in the Upper House.
First Piper 