New Delhi, India – A recent working paper by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Economic Advisory Council reveals that the share of Indian Muslims in the country has increased by more than 43 percent since 1950. This data has sparked controversy due to its timing amid a heated national election campaign, where Modi has raised concerns about Muslim population growth backed by opposition parties.
What does the working paper say?
The report analyzes global demographic trends from 1950 to 2015, indicating that the Muslim population in India grew by 43.15 percent, while the majority Hindu population decreased. However, critics argue that the paper lacks context and overlooks key points such as the actual rise in the Hindu population during the same period.
Myth of Muslim population boom
Despite claims of a Muslim population boom, data shows that Muslim fertility rates in India are declining faster than those of Hindus. The paper’s failure to address this shift has raised concerns about its credibility and intentions.
Why the report matters
The report has been used by some politicians to push an anti-Muslim narrative, further dividing communities. Critics argue that it plays into unfounded fears and serves a political agenda rather than providing scholarly insights.