The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has demanded NRC finalisation in Assam before the state undertakes any fresh electoral roll revision. The party argued that without a complete and error-free National Register of Citizens, the process of updating voter lists could lead to further confusion and exclusion. CPI(M) leaders stressed that finalising the NRC is essential to ensure transparency, fairness, and credibility in Assam’s democratic process.
Read More: Tripura CM Urges Clubs to Curb Noise and Subscriptions for Mayer Gaman
NRC finalisation in Assam a priority for CPI(M)
Addressing a press conference, CPI(M) leaders reiterated their long-standing demand to publish the final NRC. They emphasized that the draft version, released in 2019, left millions in uncertainty due to errors and pending claims. The NRC exercise aimed to identify genuine Indian citizens and address concerns over illegal immigration. However, the incomplete process has left lakhs of residents in limbo, with their citizenship status still questioned.
CPI(M) stated that moving ahead with electoral roll revision without NRC finalisation in Assam would compromise the integrity of elections. Leaders explained that many people excluded from the draft NRC continue to hold voter IDs, while others whose names were included face uncertainty. Such contradictions, they argued, weaken the credibility of both the NRC and the electoral roll.
Electoral fairness depends on NRC clarity
The party highlighted that electoral roll revision must be based on a verified citizenship register. Otherwise, there is a high risk of genuine citizens being excluded while non-citizens may remain in the rolls. CPI(M) insisted that resolving this contradiction is crucial to safeguard democracy in Assam.
NRC finalisation in Assam, according to CPI(M), would provide clarity on who qualifies as an eligible voter. This would help avoid duplication, wrongful exclusion, and unnecessary legal battles. The party said it would continue to press the state and central governments on this matter until concrete steps are taken.
Concerns over exclusion and discrimination
CPI(M) leaders voiced concern over the plight of people excluded from the draft NRC. Many have struggled with legal battles in Foreigners’ Tribunals, facing financial and social hardships. Reports of wrongful exclusion, especially of poor and marginalized communities, have drawn widespread criticism.
The party cautioned against rushing voter list revision while such issues remain unresolved. They argued that NRC finalisation in Assam must precede electoral exercises to avoid disenfranchisement. CPI(M) also called for government support to those excluded unfairly, ensuring they have the chance to prove citizenship with dignity.
Political implications in Assam
The demand comes at a time when Assam is preparing for electoral updates ahead of upcoming polls. The issue of citizenship has long shaped Assam’s politics, making NRC a sensitive subject. CPI(M) fears that an incomplete NRC could be misused politically, either to exclude genuine citizens or to target communities unfairly.
By demanding NRC finalisation in Assam before voter roll revision, CPI(M) seeks to ensure a level playing field. The party believes that electoral credibility hinges on a transparent process that commands public trust. Without it, they warned, the state risks deepening divisions and eroding faith in democratic institutions.
NRC and Assam’s demographic concerns
The NRC process in Assam was launched to address concerns over undocumented migration from Bangladesh. While intended to reassure citizens, the incomplete exercise has instead triggered widespread anxiety. Nearly 19 lakh people were excluded from the draft list, sparking debates over fairness and accuracy.
CPI(M) stressed that finalising the NRC with accuracy is not just an administrative task but a moral obligation. They argued that without this clarity, Assam’s democracy cannot function smoothly. NRC finalisation in Assam would help settle long-standing disputes and bring much-needed stability to the state.
Call for transparent and inclusive process
The party urged the government to ensure the final NRC is transparent, inclusive, and based on verified documents. CPI(M) emphasized that marginalized communities, minorities, and poor households must not be unfairly targeted. A fair process, they said, is the only way to restore faith in the exercise.
They also demanded that adequate time be given for claims and objections. Legal aid must be provided to those unable to afford representation in tribunals. CPI(M) believes these measures will make NRC finalisation in Assam more humane and just.
Wider support for the demand
Civil society groups, activists, and other political parties have also echoed the demand to finalise the NRC before electoral updates. They argue that voter rolls based on incomplete data risk undermining Assam’s democracy. Public trust, they say, will only be restored once the NRC is fully published and errors corrected.
CPI(M) announced plans to hold awareness campaigns and discussions to mobilize public opinion. The party wants to keep pressure on authorities to prioritise NRC finalisation in Assam. Leaders urged the Election Commission and the Supreme Court to take note of the issue and ensure timely action.
CPI(M)’s demand for NRC finalisation in Assam before electoral roll revision underscores the urgent need for clarity. The party argues that without a complete and accurate NRC, voter lists cannot be trusted. By pressing this issue, CPI(M) aims to safeguard democracy, protect citizens from wrongful exclusion, and ensure fair elections.
The call highlights deeper concerns over citizenship, identity, and electoral integrity in Assam. Until NRC finalisation is completed, questions over voter eligibility will continue to cast shadows over the democratic process.
Read More: Landslide Disrupts Traffic on NH-2 in Nagaland, LMV Route Issued
