BJP leader and former union minister V Muraleedharan.
Credit: PTI Photo
Thiruvananthapuram: The decision of the CPM-led Left Democratic Front government to introduce nativity cards with photos to address the concerns among the people over citizenship has been questioned by the BJP.
BJP points out that citizenship is a matter that comes under the purview of the Centre and hence the state government's move is puzzling.
"The authority to determine citizenship is with the Centre as per the Constitution. Hence what is the legal validity of the proposed nativity card with regard to citizenship.
"Already there is the Aadhaar card as a valid photo identity card. Hence the present move to introduce nativity cards is dubious and could be just wasting public money," BJP leader and former Union Minister V Muraleedharan said.
Government sources also point out that since citizenship is a matter in the Union list of the Constitution, the nativity card proposed to be issued by Kerala would not have any validity when it comes to citizenship.
Announcing the decision to introduce the nativity card on Wednesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was highlighting it as a relief to those facing concerns over citizenship.
"At a time when many are struggling to prove their citizenship, it is necessary that the people should have a valid document to show that they are natives of the state.
"Hence the state government is planning to introduce a permanent nativity card with photo in the place of the nativity certificate being issued now. To give legal validity to the proposed card a legislation will be made," said Vijayan.
The left-front government is also projecting the move as a political one against the BJP government. It is also considered as a move to please the minority communities.