West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the state's portion of the Census 2027 will begin on Aug. 1 [1].
This exercise is critical for the state to update its population data, which affects the allocation of resources and the identification of illegal immigrants. The move follows allegations that the previous administration failed to conduct necessary headcounts.
Speaking at the State Secretariat Nabanna in Kolkata, Adhikari said the process will continue until the end of February next year [2]. While some reports suggest the process could extend to February 2028 [1], other sources indicate a conclusion in February 2027 [2].
Adhikari urged residents to participate in the exercise to ensure accurate data collection. He said the census is a tool for governance and is not intended for political gain.
"Census in Bengal has no connection with politics, it will be held from August 1 to February end next year," Adhikari said.
The Chief Minister used the announcement to criticize the former Trinamool Congress government for its lack of census activity in the region. He said the current administration is committed to completing the headcount to establish a clear demographic record.
The state's participation in the broader Census 2027 initiative aims to provide a foundation for future policy decisions, ensuring that public services are distributed based on current population needs [3].
“"Census in Bengal has no connection with politics"”
The timing and emphasis on identifying illegal immigrants suggest that the census will be a focal point for security and citizenship debates in West Bengal. By framing the exercise as a corrective measure against previous administrative failures, the current government is linking demographic data collection to a broader agenda of state governance and border integrity.
