Rijiju says some political parties have launched a campaign saying India is unsafe for minorities

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Monday that there is a campaign underway in India and abroad to show that minorities are not safe in the country, and accused some political parties and organizations of defaming the country through overseas media.

Addressing a program on the Bharatiya Janata Party's Minority Morcha, he said that for decades, minorities from neighboring countries have sought asylum in India, whether from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan or Bangladesh, and also mentioned Tibet from China Refugees and democracy activists.

Addressing the 'Dr Kalam Entrepreneurial Youth Award Ceremony' in memory of former President Abdul Kalam, he said that if there is any disturbance in the neighborhood, everyone will think that India is safe and come here.

“At this time, there are some political parties and organizations in our country… who go to Western countries and use their media to defame (India) and say it is not safe for minorities,” Rijiju said, adding Mocha members are asked to strongly resist.

He claimed that the event was carefully planned and organized.

The leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party also said that there is no discrimination against minorities in India and that everyone considers himself a proud Indian.

He claimed that according to the constitution, India may have six minority communities, but there are no minorities “physically, physically, technically, emotionally, socially”.

He said everyone is equal and not any community should feel disadvantaged just because they are a minority.

Rijiju, a Buddhist, said he belongs to a minority community but has never felt like one.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, India's global status has improved and it is expected to become the third largest economy.

(This report has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)