Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, highlighted the equality of all citizens in India under the Constitution, irrespective of population size or religious beliefs. He debunked misconceptions about minority safety in the country, labeling them as “fake narratives.” At an event organized by the National Commission for Minorities, in partnership with TISS and the Parzor Foundation, discussions centered on the significant contributions of the Parsi Zoroastrian community to India’s social and economic landscape.
Rijiju, speaking at a seminar titled “Parsis in Modern India: Navigating Cultural and Socio-Economic Pathways,” reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive development for all communities, emphasizing that no group should be judged based on religion or caste. He denounced the fear-mongering tactics of certain political parties that target Muslims and Christians, asserting that every individual in India is treated equally by the Constitution, regardless of their demographic size or religious background.
The Union Minister also drew attention to India’s evolving demographics, predicting that the country’s Muslim population could soon rank among the world’s largest. While the 2021 Census faced delays due to the pandemic, Rijiju anticipated a clearer demographic outlook in the forthcoming official count. He suggested that India’s Muslim population might soon rival or surpass Indonesia’s, currently holding the global record.
Discussing the implementation of Central schemes, Rijiju criticized the West Bengal government for not adopting the “One Nation, One Application” (E-Vidhan) initiative, aimed at digitizing Legislative Assemblies. He assured that steps would be taken to integrate the State Assembly into the national digital framework once a new Assembly Speaker is elected in West Bengal. Additionally, Rijiju commended Suvendu Adhikari on assuming office as the Chief Minister of West Bengal, expressing optimism for the state’s progress under the “Double Engine” governance model.
