Pune, Oct 7: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday accused the Congress of reducing the Ministry of Minority Affairs to a “Muslim Affairs Ministry” during its tenure, while also criticizing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for spreading a false narrative that minorities are unsafe in India.
Rijiju emphasized that the Narendra Modi government is committed to working for the welfare of all minority communities, not just one. He argued that the Congress had used Muslims as a vote bank, which he said was damaging both to the nation and the Muslim community itself. “Our government is working equally for all minorities, and we are committed to national interest,” Rijiju stated.
The minister further criticized Rahul Gandhi for allegedly maligning India’s image abroad and collaborating with anti-India forces. He referenced Gandhi’s recent trip to the United States, where the Congress leader made remarks about reservations in India, which he later clarified. Rijiju accused Gandhi of creating confusion on the issue and attempting to cover up his statements.
Rijiju also commented on Muslim representation within the BJP, stating that it is dependent on the community’s support. “We cannot make MPs and ministers from a community if they don’t vote for us. It’s not one-way politics,” Rijiju said.
In addition to addressing political issues, the Union Minister announced the government’s plans to establish ‘Samvidhan Bhavans’ in every district in partnership with state governments, aimed at providing facilities to citizens.
Rijiju concluded by reiterating the Modi government’s commitment to ensuring that all minorities, including Muslims, benefit equally from its schemes, and urged the Muslim community not to remain a vote bank for the Congress
