Muslim population in India may match that of Indonesia after Census: Kiren Rijiju

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Saturday, May 9, 2026, that after the census, the Muslim population in India is likely to be almost the same as the population in Indonesia.

“The Muslim population in the country will probably be almost equal to the population of Indonesia. That will be the likely outcome once the census (data) is out,” the Union Minister for Minority Affairs told reporters after a program in Mumbai.

He said the population will increase as the last census was conducted in 2011 and the decennial exercise could not be conducted in 2021.

“Whatever the number (of the community), they are all Indian,” Mr. Rijiju added.

Drawing attention to concerns about the decreasing population of the Parsi community, he stated that their number in the country is around 52,000 to 55,000.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju (centre), BJP leader George Kurien (left) and Maharashtra Minorities Commission Chairman Pyare Zia Khan launch a coffee table book during the National Seminar on ‘Parsis in Modern India: Navigating Cultural and Socio-Economic Paths’ at Yashwantrao Chavan Center in Mumbai, Maharashtra on May 9, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

He added that Parsis are the smallest minority community in India and the government is working to protect them and ensure their numbers do not decline further.

Mr. Rijiju also rejected allegations that minorities were under threat in the country, claiming that some political organizations were trying to create fear among Muslims and Christians.

The BJP leader said that all citizens are equal before the Constitution and no one is treated differently on the basis of religion or caste.

The Minister said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) forming the government in West Bengal is also a victory for the country as it is a very sensitive state bordering Bangladesh where a large number of illegal immigrants enter. The official added that the BJP’s victory in the election in the state was a very important development in terms of national security.

Mr. Rijiju said the party has long expressed concerns about illegal immigration and the new state government will help address this issue effectively.

Citing the National e-Vidhan App as an example, he alleged that earlier the Mamata Banerjee-led government had not implemented certain central schemes and added that the Union government would now ensure their implementation.