Thiruvananthapuram, Feb. 24 -- The Kerala government on Tuesday passed the Nativity Card Bill in the Legislative Assembly, even as the Congress-led Opposition protested and staged a walkout from the House.

The government said the new legislation will allow people to officially and proudly identify themselves as Keralites through a state-issued nativity card.

Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal described the passage of the Bill as a "historic moment", asserting that it aims to safeguard minority communities.

He criticised the Congress-led UDF for staying away from the proceedings, claiming they intended to create controversy rather than engage in the legislative process.

Alongside the Nativity Card Bill, the Assembly also cleared the Abka...