The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a formal showcause notice to veteran political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, over allegations that he is registered as a voter in two separate states — Bihar and West Bengal. The notice, dated 28 October 2025, raises questions about compliance with electoral regulations and comes at a politically sensitive juncture ahead of the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election.
According to the notice issued by the Returning Officer of the Kargahar Assembly Constituency in Rohtas district, Bihar, Kishor’s name appears in the electoral roll of that constituency under serial number 621, EPIC number 1013123718. Simultaneously, his name is reportedly listed in the electoral rolls for the Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency in West Bengal, with a polling station at St Helen’s School, B Ranishankari Lane, Kolkata. The notice cites Section 17 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which prohibits a person from being enrolled in more than one constituency at the same time, and warns of penalties under Section 31 for non-compliance.
The timing of the notice is significant, as the Bihar assembly elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on 6 and 11 November, with counting on 14 November. The ECI has in recent weeks completed its Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar as part of efforts to clean up duplicate and ineligible entries, adding further scrutiny on voter-registration processes. In this wider context, the dual-enrolment allegation against Kishor not only raises concerns about individual compliance but also about the integrity and accuracy of electoral rolls ahead of high-stakes polling.
In his response, Prashant Kishor has acknowledged the listing of his name in both states but attributed the anomaly to what he describes as clerical or administrative oversight by electoral authorities rather than deliberate wrongdoing. In strong language, he said, “If I’ve broken any law, then arrest me,” signaling his readiness to contest the issue publicly. Politically, this development places Kishor — once a top strategist for various parties and now leading his own outfit in Bihar — in a spotlight at a moment when his credibility and organisational strength are under assessment. The controversy could impact the image of Jan Suraaj Party and deepen scrutiny of his political transition from campaign adviser to electoral contender.
The notice from the Election Commission to Prashant Kishor for alleged dual-voter registration across Bihar and West Bengal underscores broader challenges in maintaining accurate and lawful voter enrolment. As the 2025 Bihar polls approach, the matter offers both legal and reputational risks for the strategist-turned-politician. The coming days will be closely watched: Kishor must respond to the ECI’s notice within the stipulated time, while electoral authorities must ensure that such anomalies are resolved, thereby bolstering trust in the electoral process. The outcome may well contribute to shaping narratives of electoral integrity ahead of one of India’s key state elections.
