New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Friday that the partition of India on the basis of religion in 1947 was a “major mistake for the country”. He added that after Independence, India followed a centuries-old tradition of tolerance, but partition “caused severe damage to the country’s cultural unity and integrity”.
Shah alleged that Congress policies caused millions of Hindus and minorities to suffer during and after partition.
He said, “I want to say today without hesitation that it is important for India’s youth and long-standing citizens to understand these issues. The country’s culture, language, and freedom cannot be ignored. Religion, demographics, and democracy—these three main subjects are interconnected.”
Sharing census figures from 1951, 1971, 1991, and 2011, Shah said population changes were “not solely due to fertility rates but were caused by corruption and the policies of previous governments”. He linked this to religion-based partition and targeted the Congress.
“If the country had not been partitioned, there would have been no need to ask religion in the census,” he said. “After partition, Congress leaders decided to ask about religion, which led to inconsistencies and problems. In 1951, my party did not even exist. We did not make that decision,” he added.
Shah was speaking at an event organised by Dainik Jagran in memory of its former editor-in-chief Narendra Mohan, under the ‘Jagran Sahitya Srijan Samman’ and ‘Hindi Hain Hum’ initiative. The theme was ‘Ghuspeth, Jansankhyiki Parivartan aur Loktantra—Infiltration, Demographic Change and Democracy”.
Illegal entrants and refugees
Citing minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh, Shah said Hindus and other minorities faced persecution, while India provided refuge.
“These issues are not merely political, but linked to national security, unemployment, poverty, and social security,” he said.
“Refugees who came to India immediately after Independence were not given citizenship for many generations. They were denied jobs, ration, and property rights. This discrimination was Congress’ decision, not a legal process,” Shah added.
He clarified: “Those who came to protect their religion, family, honour, and life are refugees and have the right to citizenship. Those who enter illegally for economic or other reasons are infiltrators.”
Shah cited census figures: “In 1951, Hindus were 84 percent and Muslims 9.8 percent; in 1971, Hindus 82 percent and Muslims 11 percent; in 1991, Hindus 81 percent and Muslims 12.12 percent; and in 2011, 79 percent and 14.2 percent respectively.”
“This is about protecting culture and democracy,” he said. “Until we are aware of citizens’ rights, no one can save us. Responsibility for security and democracy is mine,” he added.
Shah stressed the CAA, implemented under Narendra Modi, granted citizenship to refugees.
“CAA is for those who came fleeing religious persecution—Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Christians. Its purpose is not to deprive anyone of citizenship,” he said. He accused the media of spreading misunderstandings about him and the law.
Pointing to declining Hindu populations abroad, he said, “India has always provided refuge under its Constitution.”
He added, “If the country had not been partitioned, there would have been no need to collect religion-based statistics. But because of partition, Congress allowed religion to be asked in 1951. Muslim population increased by 24.6 percent and Hindu population decreased by 4.5 percent. This was due to corruption, not birth rates.”
“Pakistan’s Hindus were 13 percent in 1951, now 1.73 percent. Bangladesh’s Hindus fell from 22 percent to 7.9 percent. Afghanistan had 220,000 Hindus and Sikhs; now only 150 remain,” Shah said.
He added, “Congress denied refugees citizenship and property. Modi’s government corrected this and granted legal citizenship.”
On the CAA, he said, “It provides relief only to those fleeing religious persecution. It does not affect anyone’s existing citizenship. All citizens—Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, or Buddhist—are equally included in the democratic process.”
To stop illegal immigration, he said, BJP adopted three steps: “Detect, Delete, and Deport”.
“Granting refugees citizenship is necessary. Historical changes from 1951 to 2014 were first addressed by Narendra Modi. Those Hindus who were illegal, legal, or refugees, were given long-term visas, certificates, and later citizenship. Mistakes made by Congress were corrected because it was our promise,” Shah added.
“Borders and citizenship should not be viewed politically. This is about national security and protecting democracy,” he said.
‘All have right to religion’
Citing the 2011 census in Assam and West Bengal, he said, “Assam census showed 29.6 percent liberal Muslims—impossible without intervention. In West Bengal districts, 40 percent crossed the border. Those who call infiltration imaginary, how do you justify this?”
On election integrity, Shah said, “The Election Commission must ensure free and fair elections. Asking whether someone is an Indian citizen is its duty. Opposition resists this only for vote banks.”
He added, “Only Indian citizens should vote. Non-citizens should not, as it affects democracy’s core spirit.”
Shah emphasised, “Our Constitution is clear—every person has the right to worship according to their religion. No one can interfere.”
“There should be a difference between refugees and infiltrators: Those coming to protect their religion are refugees and welcome; illegal entrants for economic reasons should be sent back, or our country becomes a dharamshala,” he said.
“Someone once said, “Bhumi lekar aaoge to rakh lenge, lekin agar ghuspeth karoge to label to lagega hi (come with land, we will keep you, but infiltrate illegally and a label will be attached)” Shah added.
Shah on Hindi and Narendra Mohan
Shah then moved from policy issues to language and culture, highlighting the importance of Hindi and paying tribute to journalist Narendra Mohan.
“As a student, I read Hindi literature with great interest. Hindi is our nation’s cultural pride and the most important language,” he said.
He highlighted contributions of Narendra Mohan during Emergency: “He was jailed for fearless journalism. His work symbolises dedication to a free press,” Shah said.
Narendra Mohan served 37 years as Chief Editor of Dainik Jagran, showing unwavering dedication. During Emergency, he left editorial columns blank in protest against censorship, leading to imprisonment. His famous column ‘Vichar Pravah’ and writings reflect his ideological commitment. From 1996 to 2002, he served as a Rajya Sabha member and actively participated in parliamentary committees on finance, telecommunications, and the home ministry.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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