New Delhi, February 4 (PTI) — India is a “heaven” for minorities, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is considered a “messiah” by Sikhs for his efforts over the past decade, according to Iqbal Singh Lalpura, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM).
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Lalpura, who is also a senior BJP leader, praised India’s inclusivity and slammed the Delhi government for exploiting the Sikh community for votes without delivering any tangible benefits in the last ten years.
India's Commitment to Minority Rights
Lalpura highlighted India’s commitment to minority rights, stating that the country has made significant strides in ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens. He cited historical data, mentioning that the minority population in India has grown from 16% in the 1951 census to 21% in 2011. Despite this increase, he noted that the majority population has seen a decline, from 84% to 79%, over the same period.
He also pointed to numerous opportunities afforded to minorities, including prestigious positions in various sectors. “India has given us opportunities. We have had four Presidents and one Prime Minister from minority backgrounds. People like Mohammad Azharuddin and Bishen Singh Bedi have captained the Indian cricket team, and Farokh Engineer was also able to play,” Lalpura said. He emphasized that figures like Sam Manekshaw and Arjan Singh, who served as Field Marshal and Air Marshal, respectively, demonstrate the country's commitment to providing leadership roles for minorities.
Sikhs' Gratitude Towards PM Modi
Lalpura expressed strong admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially for his initiatives aimed at addressing Sikh concerns. “The Sikhs are extremely happy with what Modi has done for them over the last 10 years. No one had even thought of doing this before," he said, listing several key initiatives such as the facilitation of the Kartarpur Corridor and the celebration of the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur from the Red Fort.
Describing Modi as a revered figure among Sikhs, Lalpura shared a personal anecdote about writing a book on the Prime Minister's contributions to the Sikh community. “I wanted to call him a 'messiah', but he stopped me and asked me to use the word 'sevak' instead,” Lalpura revealed.
Addressing Minority Concerns and Violence
When questioned about concerns surrounding violence against minorities, Lalpura stated that individual crimes are part of any society, but India does not have the kind of communal violence seen in other countries. He pointed to the 2023 violence in Nuh and Jehangirpuri, where he said that Hindus protected mosques and Muslims safeguarded Hindu temples, as evidence of the communal harmony that exists in India.
Drawing comparisons with other countries, Lalpura noted the declining minority populations in Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing these as stark contrasts to India’s inclusive policies.
Government Schemes for Minority Welfare
Lalpura emphasized that the Indian government offers over 200 schemes dedicated to the welfare and development of minorities, with more than 240 schemes currently available for various communities. He also quoted Prime Minister Modi's belief that "if there is one child in the family who is not happy, how will the house live peacefully?" to highlight the government's commitment to the well-being of every citizen, including minorities.
Justice for 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Victims
Addressing the ongoing efforts to provide justice to the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Lalpura shared the progress made in compensating the families of the victims. While previous governments had allocated a meager Rs 10,000 to the victims' families, Lalpura mentioned that under the current administration, 100 individuals have been identified as eligible for compensation, with further actions being pursued.
Criticism of AAP Government's Handling of Sikh Issues
Lalpura also criticized the AAP-led Delhi government for failing to address key issues affecting the Sikh community, including the teaching of Punjabi language. He pointed out that, despite the Indian government's efforts, the Delhi government has neglected the welfare of the Sikh community, only using them for electoral gain. He also highlighted how the colony for riot victims, once referred to as “Widow Colony,” was renamed “Mata Gujri Colony” in honor of Guru Gobind Singh’s mother after the victims’ request.
Waqf Bill and Uniform Civil Code
Finally, Lalpura spoke about the Waqf Bill, asserting that the legislation is designed to ensure the welfare of the Muslim community through donations made to the Waqf. Regarding the Uniform Civil Code, he clarified that it focuses on issues such as property ownership, adoption, and divorce, and does not interfere with religious ceremonies. He added that it requires unanimity to ensure its successful implementation.
Lalpura concluded by reiterating that India remains a land of opportunities for minorities and that the government’s efforts to uplift all communities are ongoing and committed to fostering a more inclusive society.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Lalpura, who is also a senior BJP leader, praised India’s inclusivity and slammed the Delhi government for exploiting the Sikh community for votes without delivering any tangible benefits in the last ten years.
India's Commitment to Minority Rights
Lalpura highlighted India’s commitment to minority rights, stating that the country has made significant strides in ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens. He cited historical data, mentioning that the minority population in India has grown from 16% in the 1951 census to 21% in 2011. Despite this increase, he noted that the majority population has seen a decline, from 84% to 79%, over the same period.
He also pointed to numerous opportunities afforded to minorities, including prestigious positions in various sectors. “India has given us opportunities. We have had four Presidents and one Prime Minister from minority backgrounds. People like Mohammad Azharuddin and Bishen Singh Bedi have captained the Indian cricket team, and Farokh Engineer was also able to play,” Lalpura said. He emphasized that figures like Sam Manekshaw and Arjan Singh, who served as Field Marshal and Air Marshal, respectively, demonstrate the country's commitment to providing leadership roles for minorities.
Sikhs' Gratitude Towards PM Modi
Lalpura expressed strong admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially for his initiatives aimed at addressing Sikh concerns. “The Sikhs are extremely happy with what Modi has done for them over the last 10 years. No one had even thought of doing this before," he said, listing several key initiatives such as the facilitation of the Kartarpur Corridor and the celebration of the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur from the Red Fort.
Describing Modi as a revered figure among Sikhs, Lalpura shared a personal anecdote about writing a book on the Prime Minister's contributions to the Sikh community. “I wanted to call him a 'messiah', but he stopped me and asked me to use the word 'sevak' instead,” Lalpura revealed.
Addressing Minority Concerns and Violence
When questioned about concerns surrounding violence against minorities, Lalpura stated that individual crimes are part of any society, but India does not have the kind of communal violence seen in other countries. He pointed to the 2023 violence in Nuh and Jehangirpuri, where he said that Hindus protected mosques and Muslims safeguarded Hindu temples, as evidence of the communal harmony that exists in India.
Drawing comparisons with other countries, Lalpura noted the declining minority populations in Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing these as stark contrasts to India’s inclusive policies.
Government Schemes for Minority Welfare
Lalpura emphasized that the Indian government offers over 200 schemes dedicated to the welfare and development of minorities, with more than 240 schemes currently available for various communities. He also quoted Prime Minister Modi's belief that "if there is one child in the family who is not happy, how will the house live peacefully?" to highlight the government's commitment to the well-being of every citizen, including minorities.
Justice for 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots Victims
Addressing the ongoing efforts to provide justice to the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Lalpura shared the progress made in compensating the families of the victims. While previous governments had allocated a meager Rs 10,000 to the victims' families, Lalpura mentioned that under the current administration, 100 individuals have been identified as eligible for compensation, with further actions being pursued.
Criticism of AAP Government's Handling of Sikh Issues
Lalpura also criticized the AAP-led Delhi government for failing to address key issues affecting the Sikh community, including the teaching of Punjabi language. He pointed out that, despite the Indian government's efforts, the Delhi government has neglected the welfare of the Sikh community, only using them for electoral gain. He also highlighted how the colony for riot victims, once referred to as “Widow Colony,” was renamed “Mata Gujri Colony” in honor of Guru Gobind Singh’s mother after the victims’ request.
Waqf Bill and Uniform Civil Code
Finally, Lalpura spoke about the Waqf Bill, asserting that the legislation is designed to ensure the welfare of the Muslim community through donations made to the Waqf. Regarding the Uniform Civil Code, he clarified that it focuses on issues such as property ownership, adoption, and divorce, and does not interfere with religious ceremonies. He added that it requires unanimity to ensure its successful implementation.
Lalpura concluded by reiterating that India remains a land of opportunities for minorities and that the government’s efforts to uplift all communities are ongoing and committed to fostering a more inclusive society.
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