- Leaders Trade Remarks Publicly
- Demography Enters Party Discourse
- Polarisation Concerns Grow Nationwide
- Controversy Over Population Remarks
Article Today, Maharashtra:
A fresh political controversy has emerged after comments on population and fertility by leaders from different parties triggered sharp reactions. The debate has drawn attention not to policy but to personal remarks, raising concerns about the tone of public discourse on sensitive social issues.
Owaisi’s Sharp Response
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi launched a pointed counter to comments made by BJP MP Navneet Rana during a public rally in Akola. Speaking to supporters, Mr. Owaisi said he had six children and questioned why political leaders were prescribing numbers. Using satire, he remarked that there was no restriction stopping anyone from having even more children, comments that quickly circulated on social media.
Remarks that Sparked Row
Earlier, Mrs. Rana had appealed to Hindus to have more children, arguing that population balance in the country was changing. She alleged that some individuals had multiple wives and a large number of children, and warned that demographic trends could alter India’s character. Her remarks drew criticism across party lines and prompted strong rebuttals.
References to Past Statements
Mr. Owaisi also referred to earlier statements by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who had spoken about population growth in different contexts. He questioned why calls for increasing birth rates were being made now, after decades of emphasis on population control.
Congress Expresses Concern
Meanwhile, the Indian National Congress criticised the trend of politicising demography. Congress MP Manickam Tagore described such statements as unscientific and irresponsible. He said unchecked population growth posed serious challenges and warned against using sensitive issues to polarise society.
Shift from Development Debate
Political analysts note that discussions have shifted away from core issues such as inflation, employment, and governance. Instead, personal and community-based arguments over family size have dominated headlines. This shift, they argue, risks diverting attention from policy-driven solutions.
Public Reaction and Caution
The exchange has left many citizens confused and uneasy. Social commentators have cautioned that framing population issues along religious lines could deepen divisions. They have urged leaders to adopt a measured and responsible approach, keeping long-term national interests in focus as the debate continues to unfold.
