New Delhi: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju has come under criticism after remarks he made about the safety of Muslims in India sparked a debate among journalists, activists and opposition voices.
Speaking at a public programme on June 13, Rijiju said claims that Muslims feel unsafe in India amount to an attempt to tarnish the country’s image. He argued that minorities enjoy constitutional protections and questioned whether any member of a minority community had left India because of religious persecution.
His comments triggered strong reactions on social media. Critics argued that concerns about the treatment of Muslims arise from incidents of violence, intimidation and discrimination reported from different parts of the country.
Fact-checker and Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair responded by sharing videos and reports of attacks and harassment involving Muslims. He contended that such incidents, widely circulated online, have drawn attention to the condition of minorities and contributed to international scrutiny.
Journalists and rights advocates also challenged the minister’s remarks. They pointed to cases where Muslims were allegedly assaulted, humiliated or stopped from carrying out religious practices. According to critics, these incidents, rather than public criticism, affect India’s reputation abroad.
Rijiju also stated that India has historically served as a refuge for persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries, including Hindus, Sikhs and Christians. He reiterated the government’s opposition to illegal migration and said individuals creating trouble in the country would not be accepted.
The controversy has widened into a larger discussion on minority rights, communal relations and public discourse. Journalists including Abhisar Sharma and Suhasini Haider joined the debate, questioning the minister’s position and highlighting concerns raised by sections of civil society.
The exchange continues to generate discussion across social media platforms, where supporters and critics remain divided over the state of minority rights and religious freedom in India.
