28 October, 2024;Union Minister Giriraj Singh, speaking in Patna, Bihar, addressed statements made by All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi regarding the socio-economic standing and population growth of Muslims in India. Singh accused Owaisi of spreading “rumours and confusion” among the Muslim community, suggesting that these statements might lead to division and unrest. Singh’s remarks focused on dispelling the notion that Muslims in India will remain socio-economically behind Hindus for the next “80-90 years,” a perspective attributed to Owaisi.
Drawing on government data, Singh highlighted population trends since the 1951 Census to counter Owaisi’s views. He mentioned that the Muslim population in 1951 was approximately 2.5 to 2.8 crore and has since grown to an estimated 17 crore, with unofficial data placing this figure closer to 25 crore. Singh contrasted this growth with that of the Hindu population, which, according to him, increased from 30 crore to around 90 crore over the same period.
While highlighting these figures, Singh’s comments underscore his concern about the perception that one community is lagging, a view he argues could sow social discord. His statements come amid an ongoing national conversation about population growth and community development, with leaders from various backgrounds expressing differing views on India’s demographic changes and their implications.
