Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public address in Rajasthan on Sunday has drawn scrutiny due to his controversial statements. He alleged that Muslims in India have a higher birth rate and claimed that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asserted in 2006 that Muslims should have priority access to the nation’s resources.
A fact-check using government data refutes the claim about Muslim fertility rates. Data indicates that fertility rates have declined across all religious groups over the years, with the 2019-21 data showing a slight difference of 0.42 between Hindu and Muslim fertility rates.
Regarding Manmohan Singh’s remarks in 2006, a review of the government press release reveals that his emphasis on empowering minorities, including Muslims, was intended for all vulnerable sections of society. However, Mr. Modi isolated this aspect of Dr. Singh’s statement.
Data analysis shows that Muslims faced challenges in education attainment and health indicators compared to other religious groups when Dr. Singh made his remarks. While some disparities persist, the gaps have narrowed over time.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi’s claims regarding Muslim fertility rates and Manmohan Singh’s speech lack substantial evidence. Fact-checking plays a crucial role in verifying the accuracy of statements made by political leaders.
