India, Oct 11 (V7N) – Union Home Minister Amit Shah has claimed that the increase in the Muslim population in India is driven not only by natural birth rates but also by infiltration from neighboring countries.

Shah made the remarks while delivering a speech at the Narendra Mohan Lecture on Friday (October 11).

Citing Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, he said the Hindu populations in these countries have not decreased due to conversions, and many have taken refuge in India. He claimed that the Muslim population in India has increased by 24.6 percent, while the Hindu population has declined by 4.5 percent.

He also referred to the partition of India, stating that Pakistan was formed on a religious basis and later Bangladesh was created. Shah suggested that infiltration from these countries contributes to the higher Muslim population in India.

When asked about preventive measures, he cited Gujarat and Rajasthan, claiming that despite having borders with neighboring countries, these states have successfully prevented infiltration.

END/SMA/AJ