BJP MLA from Telangana T Raja Singh on Sunday expressed ‘concern’ about a demographic change taking place in Goa. Claiming Muslim population was increasing in the coastal state, he said it was a matter that needed ‘thoughtful consideration’.
At an event organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal in Curchorem, South Goa, Singh voiced his worries about the declining Hindu population in the coastal state. He states, “Wherever the Hindu population has decreased, conversions of Hindus have occurred.”
Pulling out a sword during his fiery 48-minute speech, Singh declared, “This sword is not just to be kept in its sheath. This should be in the home of every Hindu.” He further dramatized his address by tearing a Bangladesh flag on stage, stating, “Whoever comes up against India will suffer the same fate.”
Singh referenced statements from Goa’s Governor to emphasize that the Muslim population in the state had reportedly increased from 3% to 12% over the past decade.
Call for Unite with Christians
The BJP leader appealed to Goa’s Christian community, urging them to join Hindus in combating “love jihad,” a term often used by right-wing groups to allege that Muslim men target women of other religions to convert them through marriage.
“Hindus have kept their doors open for Christian brothers to fight against love jihad. Do join hands… our strength will increase,” he said, referencing the controversial film The Kerala Story, which he claimed depicted the plight of women entangled in such cases. Singh emphasized that the issue affects both Hindus and Christians and warned that demographic changes could alter India’s political landscape within decades.
“If the population of ‘jihadis’ increases and their MLAs and MPs rise, the Prime Minister of India will no longer be a Hindu in the next 20-25 years,” Singh declared, cautioning that such a shift could lead to conditions similar to those faced by Hindus in Pakistan.
Singh’s remarks drew sharp criticism, with the opposition Congress party demanding that Goa’s Chief Minister Pramod Sawant bar him from visiting the state. Congress leaders described Singh as a divisive figure, warning that his inflammatory speeches could stoke communal tensions and tarnish Goa’s reputation as a harmonious and tourist-friendly state.
“Raja Singh has a history of hate speech and sectarian rhetoric. His presence in Goa is unwelcome and dangerous,” said a Congress spokesperson.
The MLA’s statements are the latest in a series of incendiary remarks by leaders of the BJP and its affiliate organizations, often targeting minority communities. The rally, held in Curchorem, witnessed a turnout of right-wing activists rallying around calls for increased vigilance and unity among Hindus and Christians.
