Summary
- UP Congress accuses the Election Commission of voter fraud in Varanasi, citing over 50 people listed as “sons” of Ramkamal Das.
- Ram Janaki Math leaders clarify it is a legal Guru–Shishya tradition, not electoral malpractice.
- India Today ground report confirms the names reflect monastic custom recognised under 2016 government guidelines.
Ramkamal Das Voter ID Controversy: Dispute Over Voter List Sparks Political Storm in Varanasi
The Ramkamal Das voter ID controversy has ignited a heated exchange between the Uttar Pradesh Congress and saints of the Ram Janaki Math in Varanasi. What began as a social media post alleging large-scale voter fraud in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s constituency has now evolved into a broader discussion about religious customs and electoral records.
The UP Congress claimed that a voter list from Ward No. 51’s Kashmiriganj area showed over 50 individuals registered as the sons of one person, Ramkamal Das. The party argued this was clear evidence of irregularities, pointing out the wide age range between the “sons” – from 28-year-old Raghavendra to 72-year-old Banwari Das.
However, when India Today reporters visited the location mentioned in the records, they found that B 24/19 was not a residential building but the Ram Janaki Math, an old Hindu monastic centre. This discovery set the stage for a complete shift in narrative, with temple authorities defending the practice as part of their centuries-old religious tradition.
Another Day, Another Fake News by @iArpitSpeaks !!
— Rohit (@Iam_Rohit_G) August 11, 2025
This is the voter list of Ward No. 51 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. At the Ram Janaki Temple in Gurudham, Varanasi, the Guru–Shishya tradition is followed, which is why the Guru’s name is written in place of the father’s name.… pic.twitter.com/sTEQf5Q0Z6
Temple Leaders Highlight Legal and Religious Context
- The saints assert that the Ramkamal Das voter ID controversy stems from misunderstanding a sanctioned monastic naming custom.
- Disciples in the ashram list their Guru’s name as their father’s name on all official documents.
Temple manager Rambharat Shastri clarified that in Hindu monastic life, disciples renounce their biological family ties and symbolically adopt their Guru as their father. This is not only a spiritual norm but also a practice recognised by the Government of India.
“In 2016, the central government allowed sadhus and sanyasis to use their Guru’s name in place of their biological father’s name in official records, including Aadhaar and voter IDs,” explained senior disciple Abhiram. “The Ramkamal Das voter ID controversy is therefore baseless and rooted in a lack of awareness about this tradition.”
The saints stressed that this practice has been followed in gurukuls, monasteries, and ashrams across India for centuries. Records for disciples in various Hindu institutions reflect similar naming conventions, which are both culturally and legally valid.
Political Reaction and Religious Defence
- The All India Sant Samiti has condemned what it calls an attack on Sanatan Hindu traditions.
- The organisation threatens legal action against those portraying the custom as fraudulent.
National Organisation General Secretary Swami Jitendranand Saraswati described the Ramkamal Das voter ID controversy as a deliberate attempt to malign spiritual leaders. He accused political actors of dragging religious institutions into electoral disputes for partisan gain.
“This is an age-old practice,” Swami Jitendranand said. “Without understanding the cultural and legal foundation of the Guru–Shishya tradition, some political parties are spreading misinformation. We will not tolerate such defamation.”
The saints even performed a Buddhi Shuddhi Puja, a ritual aimed at purifying the intellect, for those who they believe were spreading baseless allegations.
Media Verification and On-Ground Findings
India Today’s ground report has been pivotal in clarifying the facts surrounding the Ramkamal Das voter ID controversy. Reporters confirmed that the address in question belongs to Ram Janaki Math, a religious establishment with no ordinary residential occupancy.
The voter list for the 2023 Municipal Corporation election indeed shows over 50 names with “Ramkamal Das” as the father’s name, but these names belong to disciples and sadhus living within the temple premises. The list’s authenticity was never disputed by the saints; instead, they argued for the need to understand the context before making allegations.
Official records from the Election Commission also align with the legal framework established in 2016, allowing religious disciples to adopt their Guru’s name for identification purposes.
Broader Implications for Religious Communities and Electoral Records
- The controversy highlights the intersection of cultural traditions and modern bureaucratic processes.
- Similar disputes could arise in other monastic institutions if traditions are misunderstood.
The Ramkamal Das voter ID controversy underscores the challenges faced when religious customs meet the rigid frameworks of electoral law. While the practice is legally recognised, its appearance in voter lists can trigger suspicion among those unfamiliar with monastic traditions.
Experts in electoral law point out that as long as the individuals are eligible voters and their documentation is valid, the naming format does not constitute fraud. However, without public awareness campaigns, such cases may continue to be politicised.
Potential Legal and Political Fallout
- The Sant Samiti has hinted at defamation suits against those misrepresenting the tradition.
- The UP Congress may use the incident to push for stricter voter roll audits.
In the wake of the Ramkamal Das voter ID controversy, the Sant Samiti is considering filing legal notices against individuals and parties spreading allegations of fraud. On the other hand, political opponents might leverage the issue to demand deeper scrutiny of voter records, particularly in politically significant constituencies like Varanasi.
Given the high stakes in Uttar Pradesh politics, such disputes can quickly escalate beyond the local level, drawing national attention and fuelling media debates.
Cultural Awareness as a Solution
Some commentators suggest that greater cultural literacy within political discourse could prevent controversies like the Ramkamal Das voter ID controversy. By understanding the religious traditions that underpin certain naming conventions, political actors and the public alike can avoid jumping to conclusions.
The Election Commission could consider issuing explanatory notes or public statements when such issues arise, clarifying the legitimacy of practices that may appear unusual but are legally sanctioned.
Final Thoughts
The Ramkamal Das voter ID controversy is a textbook example of how political narratives can overshadow cultural and legal realities. While the UP Congress presented the voter list as evidence of fraud, on-the-ground verification revealed it to be a reflection of the long-standing Guru–Shishya tradition of Hindu monastic life.
The incident highlights a gap in public understanding of religious customs within electoral processes. Unless cultural practices are explained and contextualised, they risk being weaponised in political battles. Moving forward, greater collaboration between religious institutions and electoral authorities could ensure that legitimate traditions are respected while maintaining the integrity of voter records.
