Demography panel’s questionnaire an extension of Sangh Parivar’s divisive agenda: Pinarayi

You don’t have any Active Subscription.

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

The religion-wise data sought from States by the High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes (HLCDC) appointed by the Union government “is a dangerous extension of the divisive agenda” practised by the Sangh Parivar, Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan said on Thursday.

In a social media post, he urged the Keralam government not to succumb to such pressures exerted by the Centre. “However, it is a matter of concern that the UDF government has not made any statement against the panel’s questionnaire,” he alleged.

The demography panel has asked the States to provide religion-wise break-up of details such as birth registrations, school enrolment, and property transactions.

The questionnaire reflects a planned move to further the Rashtriya Swayamasevak Sangh’s communal interests, Mr. Vijayan alleged. He alleged that the panel was created to reap political gains by creating a narrative about ‘unnatural demographic changes’ in border States and metro cities. This is an attempt to divide the people, alienate minorities, and destroy the secular nature of the nation, Mr. Vijayan said.

There is every need for secular-minded people to resist such attempts, he said.

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.