Changing Demographics: Hindu Population Share Decline and Muslim Population Increase in India

A Sensitive Discourse: Hindus vs. Muslims

In the diverse tapestry of India, discussions around religion and demographics are often fraught with sensitivity, and a recent analysis by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (PM-EAC) has reignited this debate, sparking a political slugfest.

Insights from the PM-EAC Report

The PM-EAC report sheds light on a significant demographic shift in India, indicating a decline in the Hindu population share and a corresponding rise in minority communities—Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, among others—between 1950 and 2015.

Key Findings: The Demographic Trends

According to the findings, the Hindu population share witnessed a decline of 7.82 per cent during the specified period, while the Muslim population surged by 43.15 per cent. Additionally, other minority groups, except Parsis and Jains, saw an increase in their population share, highlighting a dynamic demographic landscape.

Interpreting the Numbers: Political Reactions

The report has sparked a flurry of reactions from political quarters, with BJP leaders attributing the demographic shift to what they perceive as Congress’ minority appeasement policies.

BJP’s Response: A Critique of Congress’ Policies

Amit Malviya, the BJP’s National Information and Technology Department head, lambasted the Congress, linking the decline in Hindu population share to decades of Congress rule and alleging that it jeopardizes the interests of Hindus.

BJP’s Allegations: A Focus on Reservation and Immigration

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi raised concerns about the implications of the demographic shift on reservation policies, questioning the Congress’ stance on providing reservations to Muslims based on population growth.

Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar claimed that one particular community is “increasing its population in a manner where demography of India is being altered, changed” and it “leads to some questions” like “how much of growth in the Muslim community is being caused by illegal immigration and conversion”, reports Deccan Herald.

Keshav Prasad Maurya, Uttar Pradesh’s deputy chief minister, also pointed fingers at the Congress, claiming that the Muslim population was increasing due to the party’s appeasement politics. “This is a topic of concern and this imbalance in the population–rise in Muslim population and decline in Hindu population, has happened because of the Congress’ Muslim appeasement.”

BJP’s Stance: Questioning the Demographic Dynamics

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar echoed similar sentiments, raising questions about the factors contributing to the Muslim population growth, including illegal immigration and conversions, underscoring concerns about altering India’s demographic fabric.

Opposition’s Critique: Questioning the Report’s Credibility

In contrast, opposition leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi and Tejashwi Prasad Yadav have dismissed the report, labeling it as a product of “WhatsApp University” and questioning its validity in the absence of a comprehensive census.

Population Foundation of India’s Concerns

Amidst the political bickering, the Population Foundation of India (PFI) has expressed reservations about the media’s portrayal of the report, cautioning against misinterpretation and sensationalism surrounding the findings, particularly concerning the Muslim population.

Navigating Complex Narratives: Towards Informed Discourse

As India grapples with shifting demographic dynamics, it is imperative to foster informed and nuanced conversations that transcend political rhetoric, emphasizing the need for evidence-based policymaking and constructive dialogue to address the multifaceted challenges of demographic change.

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