Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital governance has transformed the relationship between citizens and the state across the world. In India Aadhaar has emerged as one of the largest biometric identification systems reshaping the mechanisms through which welfare benefits public services and citizenship-related processes are administered. While Aadhaar has been promoted as a tool for efficiency transparency and inclusion it has also generated significant debates regarding privacy surveillance citizenship rights and state authority. The growing integration of Aadhaar with various governmental and financial services has raised important questions about the nature of digital identity and its implications for democratic governance. This study examines the political dimensions of Aadhaar by exploring its role in redefining citizenship expanding state capacity and influencing citizen-state interactions. The paper analyzes the opportunities and challenges associated with digital identity systems and e