Critics claim the Islamophobic rhetoric could incite violence or deepen the existing social divides in the state
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Tensions between Hindus and Muslims in Goa have intensified after the state chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) voiced concern over the growing number of Muslim voters in the state, warning that this trend could have significant political repercussions.
Rajendra Bhobe, the chief of Goa’s RSS unit, expressed alarm over the perceived increase in Muslim voters during a rally to condemn alleged atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh during the recent political upheaval there. “Muslims who have come to Goa for work should vote in their respective states,” Bhobe asserted, according to a Times of India report. “The increase in the number of Muslim voters will affect the results of the assembly elections in Goa.”
Bhobe’s remarks have sparked controversy, particularly his suggestion that a significant Muslim presence in Goa could lead to the formation of “another Pakistan” within India. “Hindus are sleeping. Will we continue to sleep?” Bhobe questioned, drawing a parallel to historical events where Hindus allegedly faced persecution. “There are many areas in our country where if we remain inactive, there is a possibility of another Pakistan being formed.”
Critics have strongly condemned Bhobe’s statements, pointing out the dangerous implications of his rhetoric. The suggestion that Muslim voters could lead to the creation of “another Pakistan” is seen as an attempt to incite fear and division within the community. “This kind of language is not only inflammatory but also baseless. It serves to deepen communal divide rather than promote unity,” said a political analyst. The remarks are perceived as part of a broader Islamophobic narrative that unfairly targets Muslims as a threat to the nation’s identity.
The RSS leader also highlighted the declining Hindu population in Bangladesh as a point of concern, stating that the Hindu population had dropped from 23% at the time of Bangladesh’s formation to just 7% today. “Hindus will be wiped out from Bangladesh in the next 10 to 20 years,” Bhobe claimed.
In Goa, Bhobe’s concerns centered on the alleged migration of Muslim workers from other states. He called on the government and NGOs to collect data on this migration, suggesting that an increase in Muslim voters could alter the political landscape in future elections. “In the 2022 assembly elections, Goa had 85,000 Muslim voters, and the total electorate was 11.5 lakh. They (Muslims) were only 7.5% of voters. Taking their children into account, the total population of Muslims in Goa at that time will be around 12%,” Bhobe said. He warned that the Muslim vote share could reach 10 to 12% by the 2027 assembly elections, potentially impacting the election outcomes.
However, critics argue that Bhobe’s concerns about Muslim voter growth undermine democratic principles. “All citizens, regardless of their religion, have the right to vote where they live. Suggesting that Muslims should be disenfranchised because of their religion is not only undemocratic but also discriminatory,” commented a local human rights advocate.
The Muslim community in Goa and beyond has condemned Bhobe’s remarks, describing them as Islamophobic and dangerous. Many Muslims feel targeted and unfairly accused of being a threat to the state’s demographic and political balance. “Some evil Hindus have gone mad in their enmity towards Muslims,” commented a Muslim resident, reflecting the growing frustration and fear among the community.
This rhetoric has further strained relations between the Hindu and Muslim communities in Goa, with many fearing that such divisive language could incite violence or deepen existing social divides. As the state approaches future elections, the impact of this growing tension remains to be seen.
