VHP defends Kiren Rijiju over remarks on declining Hindu population

NEW DELHI: VHP today came out in support of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju over his remarks on "declining Hindu population", saying they were in the nation's interest and were made by a responsible leader who himself is a Buddhist.

"Rijiju, a Buddhist, made this statement in the nation's interest," VHP's International General Secretary Surender Jain said in a statement, adding Rijiju is a responsible leader.

Jain further said, those who are criticising Rijiju for his remarks are "indulging in cheap politics and minority appeasement which will not only impact the country but even Muslims also".

He added that today all societies across the globe have accepted concept of family planning but there a section of politicians who do not want Muslims to do so, which is only hurting the community.

A controversy had erupted yesterday over a tweet by Union Minister of State for Home Rijiju that India's Hindu population was decreasing as Hindus do not convert other people.

Rijiju's comment came after the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee accused the Narendra Modi-led BJP government of trying to convert Arunachal Pradesh into a "Hindu state".