Hundreds of people along with a few BJP leaders, including Union Minister Giriraj Singh, gathered at Jantar Mantar on Thursday, 11 July, to demand a Population Control Law to tackle the issue of rising population in India.
However, the rally ended up focussing more on Hindu population versus Muslim population. Slogans of ‘Gau Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ were being chanted and BJP leader Giriraj Singh said in his speech, “To tackle the problem of declining Hindu population and to stop the rise of non-Hindu population, we need a law.”
In news website The Print’s coverage of the rally, a reporter is seen asking the supporters at the rally why they wanted a Population Control Law. Many of them replied that the Muslim community is responsible for the spike in population and the minority community will soon take over the country.
There were also opinions that the basic human rights of Muslims should be taken away to teach them a lesson and that they do not contribute to nation building.
As the video surfaced online, many took to Twitter to lament the ‘hate speech’ that has become commonplace and questioned the lack of action taken against the ministers and his supporters.
‘Secular’ Is A Joke
“They are saying what crores of Indians say everyday in their living room, WhatsApp group, office tables,” said one Twitter user. He added that the biggest joke is the word ‘Secular’ in our Constitution.
Journalist Vijaita Singh said such conversations are common in power corridors and newsrooms too.
Politicians Spreading Hate
Another Twitter user talked about the protest against lynchings in Maharashtra. “ No weapons, no incendiary speeches. It became national news only because they didn't have ‘permission’ to gather. But Hindutva fanatics openly incite violence and media & govt is mute. Shame!” she wrote.
Many other Twitter users pointed out the amount of hatred for Muslims in the country and the fact that such a rally was organised by a BJP minister. “Politicians, BJP MP present at the event spreading hate,” said one.
“A genocide is brewing in India,” commented another Twitter user.
Is This Normal?
“How is this considered normal,” asked another Twitter user.
So, will authorities take note of this and book them for hate speech and inciting violence? Or has all this become too commonplace for all of us?
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