When asked about a recent study on population, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress General Secretary, responded cryptically, questioning the source of the question. The study in question, titled ‘Share of Religious Minorities: A Cross-Country Analysis (1950-2015)’, claimed a significant shift in India’s population demographics over the last several decades. According to the study, the Hindu population share declined by 7.81% between 1950 and 2015, while the share of minorities, including Muslims, increased during the same period1.
In response to the reporter’s query, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra asked, “Where did the question come from?” When informed that it originated from the office, she retorted, “From the office, right? Tell the office Priyanka is asking who sent them (the question)”1. Her cryptic response left many intrigued.
The BJP seized upon the revelations from the working paper and expressed concern over the pace of increase in the Muslim population in India. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi pointed out that the Hindu population decreased from 88% in the 1951 census to 79.8% in the 2011 census, while the Muslim percentage increased by more than 14.5% during the same period. Trivedi raised questions about the impact of this population trend on the reservation provided to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
It’s essential to approach such demographic shifts with a nuanced understanding, considering factors like fertility rates and socio-economic dynamics. While the numbers provide valuable insights, they should be interpreted carefully to avoid misleading conclusions. As India continues to evolve, discussions around population trends will remain critical for policymakers and citizens alike.
