Must Understand Numbers We Are Dealing With: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor backs Centre’s move on demographic change

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has backed the Centre’s new committee on demographic change, saying India needs accurate data before political conclusions are drawn on illegal immigration and population shifts.

New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has supported the Centre’s decision to form a high-level committee to study what the government describes as “unnatural demographic change” caused by illegal immigration and other factors.

Speaking on the issue, the Thiruvananthapuram MP called the move an “important development” and stressed the need for accurate and comprehensive data before political conclusions are drawn.

The committee was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday and will examine demographic shifts across the country, particularly those linked to infiltration and migration.

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‘Need Accurate Facts and Figures’

Tharoor said demographic discussions should be based on verified numbers rather than assumptions or incomplete information.

He noted that data can often be misused in political debates if not backed by proper analysis. According to him, understanding population trends, migration patterns and demographic changes through credible data is necessary before discussing the broader political implications.

The Congress leader also referred to the upcoming national census, saying such exercises are important in providing clarity on changing demographic patterns.

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The newly formed committee will be chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar.

Other members include former IAS officer Durga Shankar Mishra, former IPS officer Balaji Srivastava, economist Dr Shamika Ravi and the Census Commissioner. The Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I) in the Ministry of Home Affairs will serve as the Member Secretary.

According to Amit Shah, the committee will conduct a detailed assessment of demographic changes linked to illegal immigration and other “unnatural causes”. The Home Minister said the issue is connected to national security, sovereignty, law and order, social balance and the protection of tribal communities.

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Debate Likely to Intensify

The formation of the panel is expected to trigger wider political debate, especially in states where illegal migration remains a major issue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have repeatedly raised concerns over demographic imbalance and infiltration in recent years, particularly in border states.

While opposition parties are expected to seek clarity on the committee’s scope and objectives, Tharoor’s support for a data-based approach has added a fresh dimension to the discussion surrounding the Centre’s latest initiative.