Congress leader K.C. Joseph questions Nativity Card proposal

Senior Congress leader and former Minister K.C. Joseph here on Thursday demanded the withdrawal of the proposed Nativity Card Bill, warning that it could create serious repercussions in the future. He argued that the State Cabinet’s decision to give legal effect to the Nativity Card was taken without sufficient deliberation of its long-term consequences.

In a statement, Mr. Joseph questioned what concrete benefit the Nativity Card would offer to Keralites. Currently, residents already have access to multiple approved identification cards, including Aadhaar, electoral ID, PAN, passport, and driving licence. He further warned that in the context of the BJP-led Union government tightening citizenship documentation, the Nativity Card in Kerala could be used to support arguments favouring such stringent policies.

‘Unethical move’

He condemned the move as unethical, especially since the government is attempting to introduce the Nativity Card just before an election with barely a month left for its term. He stated that the government does not have a mandate to impose such a measure and called on it to withdraw the Bill, warning that it could create dangerous repercussions for Keralites.