Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on Saturday asserted that all citizens in India are equal under the Constitution, regardless of their population size or religious affiliation. The Union Minister dismissed "fake narratives" suggesting that minorities are unsafe in the country.
He was speaking at the event which was organised by the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) in collaboration with knowledge partners TISS and the Parzor Foundation. The seminar focused on the Parsi Zoroastrian community, discussing their immense contributions to India's socio-economic fabric despite their small demographic footprint.
Addressing the media on the sidelines of the seminar, titled "Parsis in Modern India: Navigating Cultural and Socio-Economic Pathways", Union Minister Rijiju emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (Together with all, Development for all) ensures that no community is viewed through the lens of religion or caste.
"There are some political parties in India that repeatedly try to scare Muslims and Christians by saying that they are in danger in this country. In India, everyone is equal. The Constitution has given everyone equal status," he said. "Whether a population is small or large, we do not look at them based on caste or religion.
Some political elements repeatedly try to frighten Muslims and Christians by claiming they are at risk, but this is far from the truth," Union Minister Rijiju noted. The Union Minister also touched upon India's changing demographics, noting that the Muslim population in India is expected to be among the largest globally.
He noted that while the 2021 Census was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the next official count will provide a clearer picture. Union Minister Rijiju remarked that with the upcoming census, India's Muslim population might likely equal or even surpass that of Indonesia, which currently holds the world's largest Muslim population.
He said that now after about 15-16 years when the census is conducted, the population figures will be much higher. He also directed sharp criticism toward the West Bengal government regarding the implementation of Central schemes. He revealed that the "One Nation, One Application" (E-Vidhan) scheme, which digitises Legislative Assemblies, had not been implemented in West Bengal.
The Union Minister said that he has instructed officials to ensure that once a new Assembly Speaker is elected and the government is in place in West Bengal, a memorandum of understanding will be signed within a month to bring the State Assembly into the national digital fold.
Earlier, Union Minister Rijiju congratulated Suvendu Adhikari after taking oath as the West Bengal Chief Minister. In a post on social media platform X, Kiren Rijiju said, "Congratulations to @SuvenduWB ji on taking oath as the Chief Minister of West Bengal.
Wishing him a successful tenure devoted to the welfare and progress of the people. Under the guidance of PM @narendramodi ji, the "Double Engine" Sarkar will continue to drive development, empower citizens and create new opportunities across West Bengal."