Kiren Rijiju faces backlash over remarks on minority rights in India
The post quickly triggered criticism across social media, with users, politicians, and journalists accusing Rijiju of allegedly downplaying the lived realities
Guwahati: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has come under fire after stating that “India is the only country where the minorities get more benefits and protections than the majority community.” The Arunachal Pradesh MP and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs made the remark in a social media post, captioning a link to an Indian Express interview where he reiterated his views on minority protections in the country.
INDIA is the only country where the minorities get more benefits and protections than the majority community!https://t.co/Upt4iJ3Yyb
The post quickly triggered criticism across social media, with users, politicians, and journalists accusing Rijiju of allegedly downplaying the lived realities of India’s marginalised communities.
Prominent among the critics was Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who posted a response on X (formerly Twitter):
“You are a Minister of the Indian Republic, not a monarch. You hold a constitutional post, not a throne. Minority rights are fundamental rights, not charity,” Owaisi wrote.
He went on to question Rijiju’s claims of “benefits” and “protection,” citing incidents of hate speech, mob lynchings, and illegal demolitions: “Is it a ‘benefit’ to be called Pakistani, Bangladeshi, jihadi, or Rohingya every single day? Is it ‘protection’ to be lynched? … Is it an ‘honour’ to be the target of hate speeches from no less than the Prime Minister of India?”
Owaisi concluded by stating that India’s minorities are no longer treated as second-class citizens, but as “hostages.”
Several citizens also weighed in. One user wrote,
“His ministers and supporters spread hatred against minorities 24×7 and then this comment!! Lower castes are treated like slaves in UP, Bihar, Raj & MP where BJP is in rule. First bring change in society and then preach, Mr Kiren Rijiju.”
Another user challenged Rijiju’s claim, saying:
“In no other democracy do minorities, especially Muslims, face relentless hate… lynchings and brutal attacks in the name of religion… They are systematically denied education, scholarships, and basic opportunities. Even their properties are now being targeted under the guise of Waqf law scrutiny.”
A meme page sarcastically captioned a collage of news clippings on attacks against Christians and cow vigilante violence:
“A glimpse of minorities getting more benefits and protection in India as per Kiren Rijiju.”
Journalists also responded critically. Vasundhara Sirnate wrote:
“Let’s correct this tweet. The capitalist minority in India certainly gets more benefits and protections than the large swathe of humanity (the majority) that make up the citizenry of India and barely subsist on the trickle of welfare that comes to them.”
Let’s correct this tweet. The capitalist minority in India certainly gets more benefits and protections than the large swathe of humanity (the majority)that make up the citizenry of India and barely subsist on the trickle of welfare that comes to them. https://t.co/uM3H9WWhkX
Greeshma Kuthar, a journalist covering conflict and social justice issues, pointed to the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, tweeting:
“Yes, that’s what happened in neighbouring Manipur where your party is ruling. That’s why Kuki-Zo people cannot step into the capital of their own state.”
