The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a sharp critique against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala over its recent announcement to introduce 'nativity cards' for residents. The principal opposition party at the national level has raised serious questions about the legal validity and constitutional propriety of such a move by a state administration.
Central vs State Jurisdiction: The Core of the Dispute
At the heart of the BJP's criticism is the argument that matters concerning citizenship and the official documentation of individuals fall squarely under the purview of the Union government. Party leaders have pointed out that the Constitution of India clearly designates citizenship as a subject under the central list. Therefore, the state government's initiative to create a parallel system of certification has been labeled as puzzling and potentially ultra vires.
The BJP's reaction came swiftly after the Kerala government's proposal was made public. The party has demanded clarity on the precise purpose and legal standing of these proposed nativity cards, expressing concern that they could create unnecessary confusion or overlap with existing central documents like Aadhaar or passports.
Political Motivations and Implementation Concerns
Beyond the legal arguments, the BJP has also hinted at potential political motivations behind the move. Insiders suggest the party views this as an attempt by the state government to assert authority in a domain reserved for the Centre, possibly to cater to specific voter sentiments or to create a distinct administrative identity.
Furthermore, practical questions have been raised about the implementation framework. The BJP has questioned how the state government plans to define 'nativity', what safeguards will be in place to prevent misuse, and how this system will interact with the central government's digital identity and citizenship infrastructure. The lack of immediate, detailed answers to these queries has fueled the party's skepticism.
Escalating Tensions and Future Implications
This controversy adds another layer to the ongoing political tussle between the BJP-led central government and the CPI(M)-led state government in Kerala. It is likely to escalate into a major point of debate in the state assembly and on public platforms. The Kerala government is yet to issue a detailed rebuttal or a white paper explaining the legal basis for its decision.
The outcome of this dispute could have wider implications for federal relations in India, setting a precedent for how states and the centre navigate overlapping concerns of identity and domicile. As of now, the BJP maintains its firm stance that the move lacks a solid legal foundation and should be reconsidered by the state authorities. The controversy was reported on 25 December 2025, indicating a fresh political storm brewing in the southern state as the year draws to a close.
