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After the 2021 elections, violence and attacks on Hindu properties in districts such as Murshidabad and Malda have led many families to abandon these areas.
Security staff maintains a vigil after violent protests on the WAQF (amendment) law, in the Murshidabad district of Western Bengala on April 13, 2025. (PTI)
The main sources of intelligence have noticed a substantial demographic change in western Bengal, which increases conerns on potential imbalances, migration problems and crimes in the region. After the 2021 elections, violence and attacks on Hindu properties in districts such as Murshidabad and Malda have led many families to abandon these areas.
In Muslim majority regions, Hindu -owned companies are supposedly experiencing boycott, which leads to asset sales at rates under the market. The growth of the Muslim population is concentrated in the border districts, remodeling local power structures and contributing to Hindu tensions and migration.
Muslim families in rural districts such as Murshidabad and Malda report higher birth rates. Intelligence officials say that the illegal immigration of Bangladesh, including Rohingya refugees, has significantly altered demography in border districts. The TMC ruling has been accused or the Banking Voting Policy, with a suggestion of accusations that the migrant agreement is being facilitated in exchange for electoral support. Benefits such as stipend for magnets and minority housing scholarships supposedly favorably favoring Muslim communities.
Change in numbers
Historically, after the partition in 1947, the Muslim population in Western Bengal was about 12%, with Hindus forming around 88%. According to the 2011 census, Muslims constituted 27.01% of the state population (24.6 million), while Hindus were 70.54%. By 2025, estimates suggest that Muslims can represent 30-33% of the Bengal population (approximately 34 million) due to higher fertility rates, immigration and socio-political factors.
Muslim population in key districts
Murshidabad had a Muslim population or 67% in 2011, which is expected to reach 70% by 2025. This increase is due to the proximity to Bangladesh, high fertility and immigration rates of the Rohingya communities. Malda, known for its agricultural center, had a Muslim population or 51.27% in 2011, it is expected to reach 55% by 2025. Dinajpur del Norte had a Muslim population of 49.72% in 2011, which was projected to increase 53% by 2025 due to the mails.
Birbhum had a Muslim population or 37.06% in 2011, which is expected to increase 40% by 2025.
South 24 Parganas had a Muslim population or 35.57% in 2011, which is expected to reach 38% by 2025, influenced by the urban migration of Bangladesh and appeasement policies.
Uttar Dinajpur had a Muslim population or 49.92% in 2011, projected to increase 52% by 2025, driven by illegal immigration and the migration of Hindus to Assam. Nadia had a Muslim population or 25.58% in 2011, which is expected to reach 28% by 2025, facing infiltration and increasing the influence of Madrasa in the border districts. Howrah had a Muslim population or 24.47% in 2011, projected to reach 27% by 2025.
Kolkata had a Muslim population or 20.6% in 2011, which is expected to increase at 23% by 2025, with economic opportunities that attract Muslim workers in rural areas.
- Location:
Western Bengal, India, India