New Delhi [India], March 10 (ANI): Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Monday launched a sharp criticism of the Election Commission of India and the Central government alleging that the Election Commission is in the hands of the government for a very long time.

Sharpening his attacks, Sibal said that if this system continues, then it is not democracy but a 'sham'.

'Election Commission is in the hands of the government for a very long time... If democracy continues like this and the Election Commission keeps lobbying for the government, then the results that will definitely come are in front of you... If this system continues, then it is not democracy but a sham... We have been suspicious for many years... What happens on the ground is known to everyone, but there is no one to listen... ' Sibal told ANI.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi while speaking in the Lok Sabha emphasised the need to discuss the issue of the voter list stating that the House needs to discuss the issue of voters list.

He said, 'Question is being raised on the voter list in every states. In Maharashtra, questions were raised on black and white voter list. The entire opposition is just saying that there should be a discussion on the voter's list.'

Earlier, TMC's Saugata Roy said Mamata Banerjee had shown the same EPIC numbers in the voters list in Haryana, West Bengal. 'This shows serious flaws, pointed out earlier with regard to Maharashtra, Haryana. They are preparing for a jump in the Bengal, Assam polls next year. Total voter list should be totally revised,' he said, adding that ECI should reply on its mistakes.

On March 6, a delegation of the Trinamool Congress met Election Commission officials in Kolkata regarding their complaints about the same Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number.

However, ECI on March 2 clarified that having the same Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number doesn't mean there are duplicate or fake voters. The ECI's clarification comes after concerns were raised on social media and in media reports about electors in different states having identical EPIC numbers. (ANI)