Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday hit out at the opposition’s claim that minorities in India lack rights, stressing that the country has long ensured equal rights and protections for all its citizens. Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a debate on the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, Rijiju cautioned against actions and rhetoric that could tarnish the country’s image on the global stage.
While responding to claims that minorities have no protection in India, the Minister of Law and Justice highlighted that the country not only provides legal safeguards for minorities but also implements affirmative action to ensure their welfare. “India is a country that gives equal voting rights to all its citizens. It provides legal protection to minorities, and it has provisions for affirmative action to protect their interests,” he said.
Rijiju further emphasized that successive governments, including Congress, have worked for the welfare of minorities, pointing out that the Congress Party’s role in this regard should not be undermined. “The Congress has also done that,” Rijiju stated, making clear his acknowledgment of the party’s contributions.
Refuting claims of discrimination against minorities in India, Rijiju noted that such narratives are misleading and harmful to the nation’s reputation. He referenced global instances of discrimination, saying, “A narrative is being created that minorities have no protection in India, but if you look at surveys like the one by the Centre for Policy Analysis, 48% of people in the European Union, most of whom are Muslims, have faced discrimination. Similar reports have surfaced in France and Spain, where Muslims have been subjected to hate crimes.”
Rijiju also brought attention to the dire conditions of religious minorities in neighboring countries. “We all know the condition of minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Minorities such as Sikhs, Hindus, and Christians face persecution in places like Tibet, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Wherever minorities face problems, they find refuge in India,” he said.
The minister also warned against statements that could damage India’s global standing. “Our words and actions should not diminish the image of the country. I am not saying this for any one party, but for the country,” he emphasized.
Rijiju, the first speaker on the second day of the debate on the Constitution’s 75th anniversary, reiterated that India has always stood as a beacon of equality and protection for minorities, challenging any attempts to undermine its inclusive legacy.
