Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has come under criticism after saying that claims about Muslims feeling unsafe in India “malign the character of the nation.” His remarks, made during an interview at The Indian Express Idea Exchange event, have sparked a heated political and social debate.
Speaking at the event, Rijiju questioned claims that minorities, particularly Muslims, face insecurity in India and said such statements damage the country’s image globally.
“Why are you targeting your own nation? It’s not a question of targeting the Indian government. By saying Muslims are not safe in India, you are maligning the character of the nation,” Rijiju said.
The minister argued that the condition of minority communities has improved over the last 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. He said the BJP-led government’s development agenda has benefitted all sections of society.
“The life, quality and overall situation of minority communities in the country have improved significantly,” Rijiju said, adding that the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas has ensured inclusive development.
‘Tell Me Who Left India Due to Religious Persecution’
Rijiju also questioned minority rights concerns by asking whether any Indian minority member had left the country because of religious persecution.
“From the past till now, if anybody from the minority community has left India because of religious persecution, tell me,” he said.
The minister argued that religious minorities from neighbouring countries seek refuge in India because they see the country as safe.
“Hindus, Christians and Sikhs from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh… why is India their first choice to seek refuge?” he asked.
At the same time, Rijiju said India would not accept illegal migrants or people “creating trouble” in the country.
Critics Cite Hate Crimes and Violence
Rijiju’s comments drew criticism from journalists, activists and opposition voices, who argued that his remarks overlook incidents of mob violence, hate speech, bulldozer demolitions and attacks against Muslims and Christians reported in several states.
Fact-checker Mohammed Zubair responded by pointing to incidents of alleged intimidation against Muslims. He cited a case from Gujarat where, according to him, a Muslim migrant family in Ahmedabad was allegedly threatened by Hindutva activists and told to vacate their rented home.
Zubair also highlighted hate speeches targeting Muslim vendors and accused sections of the media of promoting anti-Muslim narratives.
Senior journalist Suhasini Haider criticised the minister’s remarks, saying: “It’s the majoritarian goons who threaten and assault minorities with full impunity from law, who are maligning the character of the nation, not those who report on these incidents.”
Academic and rights activist Apoorvanand also reacted strongly. “What Kiren Rijiju means is that let our men harass, beat, bulldoze and kill Muslims and Christians, but do not talk about it,” he said.
Former Bureaucrat Raises Concerns
Former bureaucrat Ashish Joshi, who worked on minority welfare programmes and the implementation of the Sachar Committee recommendations, also criticised Rijiju’s statement.
“In any country, the faith and confidence of minorities in the functioning of the State in an impartial manner is an acid test of its being a just State,” Joshi said.
Debate Spreads on Social Media
The controversy quickly spread on social media, with supporters defending Rijiju’s position and critics sharing examples of communal violence, hate speeches and discriminatory incidents involving Muslims.
Several users tagged the minister in posts about alleged hate crimes and communal slogans targeting Muslims, urging the government to acknowledge concerns raised by minority communities.
Despite the criticism, Rijiju maintained that speaking about minority insecurity harms India’s global image and amounts to doing “disservice” to the country.
“In the larger perspective, if you say minorities are not safe in India, this is the most disservice you are doing to this country,” he said.
