BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 28th June 2025 : The Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist), Tripura State Committee today strongly opposed a new directive from the Election Commission of India (ECI) mandating submission of birth certificates and proof of birthplace for inclusion in the voter list. The party has termed the move a “conspiracy to introduce NRC in a roundabout way” and called for a statewide movement to safeguard universal suffrage.
According to the CPI(ML), the new guidelines were issued by the ECI on June 24 under the framework of a Special Summary Revision (SSR) process—allegedly without consulting any major political party in Delhi or Patna. The revision, to be implemented door-to-door within 25 days across Bihar covering over 8 crore voters, has been described by the party as “unrealistic and undemocratic”.
“This is the first time such an order has come without any political consultation. Even in 2003, a similar survey in Bihar took two years,” said Partha Karmakar, State Secretary of CPI(ML) Tripura. “Conducting such an exhaustive process in just 25 days is not only impractical but discriminatory in intent.”
CPI(ML) leaders argue that the revised documentation requirements will disproportionately disenfranchise poor and marginalized communities—including migrant workers, Dalits, tribals, and backward classes—who often lack access to birth-related documentation.
Citizens born before July 1, 1987, are required to submit an affidavit along with documents proving the citizenship of their parents. Those born between 1987 and 2004 must provide evidence of their place of birth as well as their parents’ citizenship status. For individuals born after 2004, proof of citizenship must be submitted for both themselves and their parents.
The verification process will use the electoral roll from the year 2000 (EPIC 2000) as the base reference for voter identity. Additionally, electoral officers will carry out home visits to validate the submitted documents. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can take part in the process either through their respective embassies or by returning to India to complete the verification.
While the ECI maintains that the SSR aims to cleanse the voter rolls of fake entries and ensure voting rights for genuine citizens, critics are unconvinced.
“If the government doesn’t provide birth certificates or parental documents, how can ordinary citizens produce them? It’s the government’s duty, and without fulfilling it, this policy will rob millions of their constitutional right to vote,” said Karmakar.
He accused the ruling BJP of attempting to tilt the electoral balance in its favor. “These are primarily opposition-leaning voters. It’s clear who benefits from this,” he claimed.
The CPI(ML) has also raised concerns about similar directives being floated in Tripura, pointing to a recent social media statement by the state’s Chief Electoral Officer encouraging local preparation for the order’s implementation.
Calling the move a “conspiracy to permanently kill the Constitution,” Karmakar appealed to citizens across party lines to resist what he described as an assault on democracy.
“We appeal to all democratic-minded people in every corner of the state to unite in defending the voting rights and parliamentary democracy granted by the Constitution,” he said.
