Finalize Assam NRC Before Voter List Review: CPI(M)

Quick Summary

• CPI(M)’s stance on NRC and SIR: The CPI(M) has urged the finalisation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam before initiating the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters’ lists.
• Concerns about electoral roll accuracy: the party criticised hurried revisions, citing alleged issues with disenfranchisement in Bihar’s voter list revision model, warning similar risks in Assam without an updated NRC.
• NRC clarity issue: Despite being monitored by the Supreme Court under citizenship guidelines from the 1985 Assam Accord, BJP governments have not recognised NRC documents nor issued rejection slips for excluded individuals since its draft publication in 2019.
• Communal concerns: CPI(M) accuses BJP of spreading communal hatred and complicating citizenship issues through policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act.
• Aadhaar enrolment suspension protested: CPI(M) opposed Assam’s government decision to halt Aadhaar enrolment for adults above 18 years starting October. They asserted this step lacks basis as Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship and excludes disadvantaged groups who still lack it.
• Statistical discrepancy cited: The party refuted Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s claim of achieving 103% aadhaar coverage. As per UIDAI data from July 31, about 10-13 lakh adults remain unenrolled.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

the CPI(M)’s focus on finalising the National Register of citizens (NRC) before revising voter rolls highlights persistent challenges tied to citizenship verification and identity documentation processes in Assam. With over six years since its draft publication, unresolved legal notifications and omissions leave room for uncertainty regarding disenfranchisement risks-especially affecting vulnerable groups like socio-economic minorities. Given assertions linking electoral procedures to political influence, ensuring transparency through thorough verification mechanisms would be critical to maintaining public trust in electoral governance.Suspicions over halted Aadhaar enrolments further underscore systemic hurdles impacting citizen documentation efforts. while figures suggest substantial progress, gaps remain among disadvantaged populations-a reality incompatible with blanket claims about full coverage rates. Moving forward, prioritising accessibility and inclusivity within such processes will be essential to safeguarding democratic participation rights at both state and national levels.

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