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Politics
Manipur Congress backs BJP-led government on NRC update ahead of census
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 20 Aug 2026, 03:41 AM
👁 2
The Manipur unit of the Indian National Congress has publicly supported the BJP‑led state administration’s move to update the National Register of Citizens before the upcoming census.
Manipur’s regional Congress leadership announced its backing of the state government's decision to revise the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the national census is conducted. The endorsement comes as the BJP‑led administration seeks to finalize the NRC list in anticipation of the 2024 census, aiming to address long‑standing concerns over citizenship verification in the northeastern state.
Party officials said the move aligns with broader efforts to ensure accurate demographic data and to prevent illegal migration. While the Congress has traditionally been critical of the central government's policies, its support signals a strategic alignment with the state’s immediate administrative priorities.
Political analysts note that the cooperation between the two parties could influence the electoral dynamics ahead of the next state assembly elections, as both sides vie for voter confidence in addressing security and identity issues.
The decision also underscores the sensitivity of NRC updates in Manipur, where ethnic tensions have previously flared over citizenship documentation. Authorities have pledged that the process will be transparent and inclusive, though civil society groups continue to monitor the implementation closely.
Party officials said the move aligns with broader efforts to ensure accurate demographic data and to prevent illegal migration. While the Congress has traditionally been critical of the central government's policies, its support signals a strategic alignment with the state’s immediate administrative priorities.
Political analysts note that the cooperation between the two parties could influence the electoral dynamics ahead of the next state assembly elections, as both sides vie for voter confidence in addressing security and identity issues.
The decision also underscores the sensitivity of NRC updates in Manipur, where ethnic tensions have previously flared over citizenship documentation. Authorities have pledged that the process will be transparent and inclusive, though civil society groups continue to monitor the implementation closely.