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

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

In a post on social media, he urged the Kerala government not to succumb to such pressures from the Centre. “However, it is disturbing that the UDF government has not made any statement against the panel’s questionnaire,” he claimed.

The demographic panel asked states to provide a religious breakdown of details such as birth registrations, school enrollments and property transactions.

The questionnaire reflects a planned move to promote the common interests of the Rashtriya Swayamasevak Sangh, Mr. Vijayan claimed. He claimed the panel was created to reap political gains by creating a narrative of “unnatural demographic changes” in border states and metro cities. This is an attempt to divide people, alienate minorities and destroy the secular nature of the nation, Mr. Vijayan said.

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

Published – 01 Oct 2026 21:54 IST