Pinarayi Vijayan Criticizes Census 2027 for Asking About Religion and Birthplace

Thiruvananthapuram, India Aug 22, 2026 ALN: Keralam Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has raised significant concerns regarding the upcoming Census 2027, describing it as "deeply troubling" that the exercise reportedly includes questions about respondents' religion and the birthplace of both parents. The inclusion of such sensitive topics in the Census has reignited debates on the role of demographic data collection in a diverse nation like India, where religious and cultural identities are deeply intertwined with personal and political narratives.

The Census, conducted every ten years, is a vital exercise that aims to gather comprehensive data about the population, including demographics, housing, and socio-economic indicators. However, the introduction of questions related to religion and parental birthplace in the upcoming Census has raised alarms among various political factions and civil society groups. Critics argue that these questions could potentially serve as tools for discrimination, particularly against minority communities.

In a pointed critique of the Union government, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader emphasized that the Census should not serve as a "backdoor" for the National Population Register (NPR) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The NPR is intended to compile a list of all usual residents in India, while the NRC aims to create a list of Indian citizens and identify undocumented immigrants. The fear is that the data collected through the Census could be misused to further the aims of the NRC, which has been controversial since its inception.

Critics have expressed fears that the NRC, particularly when combined with the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), could compel many Muslims to prove their citizenship status. The CAA, which offers a pathway to citizenship for non-Muslim refugees from neighboring countries, has been criticized for its perceived discriminatory nature. Despite government assurances that the CAA and NRC are not interconnected, skepticism remains among various segments of the population, particularly in light of the historical context of communal tensions in India.

Vijayan articulated his stance in a social media post, asserting that citizenship should not be linked to religion and that the Census must not be utilized to sow division among the populace. He urged the Union Government to immediately eliminate such divisive questions from the Census. "Secular forces must stand united against this dangerous move," he declared, emphasizing the need for a collective response from political parties and civil society to protect the secular fabric of the nation.

Highlighting a report from the Union home ministry for the 2018-’19 period, Vijayan noted that it indicated the NRC would be prepared by filtering data from the NPR, suggesting that the population register is a precursor to the NRC. This assertion has fueled fears among various communities that the government may be gearing up to implement a citizenship verification process that could disproportionately affect minorities.

He called on the Centre to remove what he termed "sinister queries" from the Census questionnaire, expressing concern over the silence of Keralam’s United Democratic Front (UDF) government, led by Congress leader VD Satheesan, on this issue. The lack of a strong response from the UDF has raised questions about their stance on the matter and whether they will support efforts to safeguard the rights of all citizens during the Census process.

Vijayan reminded that during his administration, the state government had decided in 2019 that the NPR would not be implemented in Keralam, reaffirming this position ahead of the 2027 Census. This decision reflects a broader trend among some state governments in India to resist implementing the NPR and NRC, citing concerns over the potential for discrimination and exclusion. He criticized the Congress party, stating, "The Congress cannot wash its hands of the NPR, having implemented it in 2010." This statement underscores the complex political dynamics at play, as parties navigate their historical actions while responding to contemporary challenges.

During Vijayan’s tenure, the state government had reiterated in a gazette notification dated February 4 that all activities related to the updation of the National Population Register in Keralam were suspended as of December 20, 2019. This notification followed the Union government's Budget proposal on February 1 to allocate Rs 6,000 crore for "Census, Survey and Statistics/Registrar General of India." The allocation of funds for the Census has sparked discussions about the priorities of the government and the importance of ensuring that the data collected is used for the benefit of all citizens rather than for exclusionary practices.

In conclusion, Vijayan's statements reflect a growing apprehension among various political leaders regarding the implications of the Census 2027 and its potential use as a tool for exclusion. As the country prepares for this significant demographic exercise, the discourse surrounding the Census and its questions will likely continue to evolve, shaping the political landscape in the lead-up to the event. The concerns raised by Vijayan and others highlight the critical need for transparency and accountability in the Census process, ensuring that it serves its intended purpose of fostering inclusivity and understanding in a diverse society.