Lucknow, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, unequivocally rejected the assertions of minority mistreatment in India on Thursday, labeling them as propaganda. He stated that no individual has ever been compelled to leave the nation due to oppression.

During a discussion with minority community members at Christ Church College in Lucknow, Rijiju remarked, "You might have encountered claims regarding the mistreatment of Muslims, Sikhs, or Christians. Such statements are mere propaganda that persists over time."

He further elaborated, "Our party, BJP, has frequently been targeted and wrongly accused of exhibiting discrimination against minorities, which is untrue."

He highlighted that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the motto "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas", it was not simply for show; rather, it embodies our work culture that prioritizes inclusivity and welfare for all, devoid of discrimination.

"Since the inception of our government, has anyone been deprived of government welfare benefits due to religious bias?" asked Rijiju.

He characterized India as a highly secure nation for all its citizens, regardless of their majority or minority status. "I recently shared with an Indonesian Minister that it is quite possible that in the upcoming Census, India might be recognized as the country with the largest Muslim population globally," he stated.

"India has a significant Muslim demographic that enjoys complete freedom, and every Indian citizen is treated equally," he added.

Union Minister Rijiju emphasized that while India boasts a population of 1.4 billion, nations like the US, with merely 330 million people, often perceive themselves as superior. "When they learn about our 1.4 billion population, they are left in astonishment regarding how we manage the most populous nation," he remarked.

He expressed pride in India's enduring legacy, which has thrived for millennia and will continue to do so for ages to come.

Rijiju affirmed that the Narendra Modi-led Central government is dedicated to the welfare of all communities, including Parsis, whose numbers have dwindled to merely 52,000.

He mentioned the Tatas, a notable family from the Parsi community, who have significantly contributed to the nation. To support this community, the government has initiated the 'Jio Parsi' scheme aimed at reversing their population decline.

This initiative, launched in 2013-14, is designed to stabilize the Parsi population through scientific methods and structured interventions.