In ‘BJP-pleasing’ comments, Iqbal Singh Lalpura highlights interfaith harmony and minority welfare
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Minority leaders and activists have come down heavily on Iqbal Singh Lalpura, the chief of the National Minority Commission (NCM), who claimed that India is “heaven” for minorities and that the country offers equal opportunities and protection to all its citizens, regardless of their religion.
Activists including Sikhs, Christians, and Muslims, accused Lalpura of making BJP-pleasing comments that fail to reflect the realities on the ground.
Social activist and lawyer Nooruddin Jamali lamented that individuals like Lalpura, who portray a positive image of the government’s treatment of minorities, are undermining the actual struggles faced by these communities. “Such people are like Mir Jafar and Mir Sadiq, who, for their individual gains, even tell the sun that it is night,” Jamali said, referring to historical figures who betrayed their own communities for personal benefit.
He added, “Reputable organisations around the world, including Amnesty International, World Human Rights, and the American Indian Muslim Council, have expressed grave concern over the treatment of minorities, particularly Muslims, in India. It is unfortunate that those in power are dismissing these concerns.”
Father Thomas Homan, a prominent member of the Christian community, also reacted strongly to Lalpura’s comments. Speaking to Clarion India, Homan said, “It is a matter of regret. Since Hindutva forces have come to power, there have been riots all over India. Yet, despite this, some people are shouting that everything is fine. What else can be called such people except mentally ill?”
Homan’s remarks reflect the growing disillusionment among minority communities, who feel increasingly marginalised under the current political climate. Many activists argue that the situation for Muslims, in particular, has deteriorated, with reports of rising hate crimes, discrimination, and violence against the community.
Responding to concerns about communal violence and religious intolerance. Lalpura on Tuesday stated that, in his extensive experience, he had not witnessed a single instance of communal violence in India. He cited the example of Nuh, where violent clashes between communities erupted in 2023, but he claimed that Hindus had protected mosques and Muslims had safeguarded Hindu temples during the conflict. “I went to Nuh, where Hindus saved mosques, and Muslims saved Hindu temples. They are living together,” Lalpura remarked. “In Jahangirpuri (in Delhi), the situation was the same. We must identify the criminals who are disrupting the peace.”
He also pointed to India’s diverse history, emphasising that minorities in the country have consistently risen to significant positions. “According to the 1951 census, the minority population was 16 per cent, and the majority was 84 per cent. Four times, a minority has become the president of this country and once the prime minister. Minorities can do anything in this country,” he said. Citing prominent figures like former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin and Bishan Singh Bedi, Lalpura highlighted the achievements of individuals from minority communities.
The NCM chief, a former Indian Police Service officer and member of the BJP parliamentary board, praised India’s inclusivity, stating that the country provides ample opportunities for progress, particularly to minorities. He noted, “There are over 200 government schemes aimed at helping minorities. In fact, about 240 schemes are available for their progress.”
When addressing concerns about violence against minorities, Lalpura compared the situation in India to that in neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the United States. He claimed that communal violence and hate crimes were more prevalent in these countries than in India. “As far as hate crimes are concerned, there have been more hate crimes against Sikhs in America,” Lalpura said. He went on to mention the situation in Pakistan, where minorities made up 22 per cent of the population at the time of partition but have since faced persecution. Lalpura also referenced an incident during the 500th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak, when the daughter of a Granthi from the Nankana Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan reportedly accepted Islam. He further criticised the situation in Bangladesh, where the minority population has significantly dwindled. “India is heaven for minorities,” he concluded.
Lalpura also addressed the topic of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which has been a subject of intense debate. He claimed that the UCC, which aims to create a common set of laws for all citizens regarding marriage, divorce, and property rights, would not interfere with religious customs. “The UCC is about property ownership, adoption, and divorce rights, and mutual consent is required for these matters. It will not interfere with religious customs in any way,” he stated.
In response to the ongoing debate surrounding the Waqf Bill, which pertains to the management of Muslim charitable endowments, Lalpura clarified that the new law would benefit the Muslim community. Waqf means donation, and this donation must be used for the welfare of the community. The new law will help Muslims,” he said.
Lalpura also shared his views on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, particularly with regard to the Sikh community. He claimed that Sikhs were “very happy” with Modi, pointing to his government’s initiatives such as the opening of the Kartarpur corridor and the celebration of Veer Bal Diwas. Lalpura also noted the commemoration of Guru Teg Bahadur’s fourth birth anniversary at the Red Fort, a symbolic location given its historical significance.
“We have taken significant steps for the Sikh community, and the Modi government has done more in the last 10 years than anyone had imagined,” Lalpura said, underscoring the achievements in fostering better relations between the Sikh community and the government.
While Lalpura’s statement highlights some instances of cooperation and solidarity between communities, it has not been enough to dispel critics’ deep concerns about the rise in communal tensions and the perception of a marginalising state policy towards minorities. The debate continues to rage as India grapples with issues of religious identity, freedom of expression, and the protection of its diverse communities.
Lalpura emphasised that the National Minority Commission remains open to complaints and grievances from minorities and urged those facing issues to approach it for support. “If minorities have any problems, they should bring their complaints to the National Minority Commission; it is their own institution,” he concluded.
As the debate around India’s treatment of its minority communities continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the government’s policies will meet the needs of all citizens, or whether further action will be required to address the challenges faced by certain religious and ethnic groups.