His claims about the declining Christian population and rapid Muslim growth in the state sparks a political backlash, but data tells a different story
Team Clarion
PANAJI — A recent statement by Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai has ignited a political controversy and drawn widespread attention to the sensitive issue of religious demographics in the state.
Speaking at a church event here earlier this week, Governor Pillai claimed that the Christian population in Goa has decreased significantly, while the Muslim population has seen a rapid increase.
“The Christian population in Goa has dropped from 36 to 25 percent, whereas the Muslim population has surged from 3 to 12 percent,” Governor Pillai stated. His comments have since drawn sharp criticism and sparked a broader discussion on the changing religious landscape in Goa.
However, a closer examination of census data and demographic studies challenges the governor’s assertions. According to the 2011 Census, the Christian population in Goa stood at approximately 25 percent, consistent with the governor’s statement. However, the Muslim population was recorded at 8.33 percent, not the 12 percent as claimed by the governor. Moreover, experts argue that the growth rate of the Muslim population in Goa has been relatively modest compared to national trends, and there is no evidence to support the idea of a dramatic surge.
Critics have pointed out that Governor Pillai’s comments could fuel unnecessary communal tensions in a state known for its harmonious coexistence of various religious communities. “These remarks are not only inaccurate but also dangerous,” said a local political analyst. “They risk inflaming communal passions based on misleading information.”
Governor Pillai later sought to clarify his remarks, explaining that his comments were not intended to target any specific community but rather to highlight the issue of ‘brain drain.’
“I have seen some media outlets create controversy over my statement. I was not referring to demography or any particular community,” he said. Elaborating further, he said when community leaders, including priests, met him, he referred to some news articles on the issue. “I asked them to study the issue, as I believe it is mainly due to brain drain.”
Despite this clarification, the governor’s comments have led to a political uproar. The Congress party has questioned the governor’s intentions, though no official response has yet been issued by the Goa government or the BJP regarding the matter.
The controversy has highlighted the ongoing concerns about the anti-Muslim sentiments and Islamophobic atmosphere in India, which many feel are not dissipating. In Goa, where Muslims have traditionally been a small yet integral part of the population, the data suggests that fears of a rapid demographic shift are unfounded. As discussions continue, the impact of these remarks on Goa’s social fabric remains to be seen.
